The Boy Allies in the Baltic; Or, Through Fields of Ice to Aid the Czar
by Clair W. Hayes · English · Gutenberg #45982 · 317,360 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: The Boy Allies in the Baltic; Or, Through Fields of Ice to Aid the Czar
Author: Clair W. Hayes
Release date: June 15, 2014 [eBook #45982]
Most recently updated: October 24, 2024
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC; OR, THROUGH FIELDS OF ICE TO AID THE CZAR ***
[Illustration: JACK TURNED HIS WHIP FROM THE BACKS OF THE HORSES AND
LASHED OUT AT THE WOLVES.]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOY ALLIES
(Registered in United States Patent Office)
In the Baltic
OR
Through Fields of Ice to Aid the Czar
By ENSIGN ROBERT L. DRAKE
AUTHOR OF
"The Boy Allies Under the Sea," "The Boy Allies on the North
Sea Patrol," "The Boy Allies Under Two Flags," "The
Boy Allies with the Flying Squadron," "The Boy
Allies with the Terror of the Seas."
A. L. BURT COMPANY
NEW YORK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright, 1916
BY A. L. BURT COMPANY
THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC
CHAPTER I.
ON A RAID.
"Submerge to five fathoms, Mr. Templeton!"
The speaker was Lord Hastings, commander of the British submarine D-17.
Jack Templeton, a British youth and first officer of the under-sea
craft, repeated the command for which he had been waiting now for some
moments.
"Mr. Chadwick!"
Lord Hastings' voice again.
"Sir!"
A third figure, standing upon the bridge--now enclosed as the submarine
sank from the surface--came to attention before his commander. Frank
Chadwick, an American youth and second officer of the vessel, awaited
instructions.
"Everything shipshape?" questioned his commander sharply.
"Yes, sir. Engine-room trouble all repaired, sir."
"Lookout posted forward?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Very well. Ten fathoms, Mr. Templeton!"
Lord Hastings turned from the periscope, through which he had been
peering, and for a moment gazed thoughtfully at his two young officers
before speaking. At last he said:
"Unless something goes wrong we will be in Heligoland within two hours!"
A startling statement, this, to one who did not know the nature of the
man who made it; for it was a fact known to all the world that
Heligoland, the great German fortress that guarded the approach to the
few miles of German seacoast, was one of the strongest in the
world--perhaps as well fortified as Gibraltar itself, and considered by
naval experts equally as impregnable.
Apparently the D-17 was bent upon a perilous venture.
Such, indeed, was the case. The D-17, sister ship to the D-16, in which
Lord Hastings and his two young officers had seen many exciting
adventures, as related in "THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE TERROR OF THE SEAS,"
had left the coast of England the day before, heading straight for the
strongly fortified German base; and now she was almost there.
Just what object Lord Hastings had in view neither Jack nor Frank knew,
for Lord Hastings had not yet taken them fully into his confidence
concerning this expedition. Since leaving England he had been busy in
his cabin almost continuously poring over papers and maps, but both lads
had a pretty shrewd idea that the venture was an important one.
Now Frank asked:
"And what are we going to do in there, sir?"
Lord Hastings smiled.
"What would be your idea about that?"
"Well," said Frank, "there are several things we might do. First, we
might sink a couple of German war vessels. We might try and learn the
lay of the land--perhaps I should say the water--or we might try and get
ashore and so learn other matters of importance. Have I hit it, sir?"
"You have," returned his commander dryly; "you've hit it in more ways
than one. In fact, I may say you have guessed shrewdly all through."
"Then I can do a little guessing, too," declared Jack.
"Well?" said Lord Hastings inquiringly.
"Well," said Jack, "we first shall probably make an attempt to get
ashore, for there we can learn more than we could reconnoitering beneath
the water. That's where we shall try to find our information. And we
shall sink a couple of the enemy on our way out. Am I right, sir?"
"You are," replied Lord Hastings briefly, and turning on his heel he
left the bridge and disappeared in his cabin, only to reappear a few
moments later, charts and papers in his hands, announcing:
"Mr. Chadwick, you will take the wheel yourself. I'll stand beside you
and give my orders. These waters are thickly strewn with mines and we
can afford to take no chances."
Frank obeyed this command without question and Lord Hastings took his
place beside him, first remarking to Jack:
"You will relieve the lookout forward, Mr. Templeton, and keep your eyes
open. I need not mention the need of prompt action should you perceive
danger ahead. Slow down to five knots!"
"Very well, sir."
Jack saluted, and after giving the command that reduced the speed of the
vessel, took himself forward.
There, at the extreme bow, he relieved a sailor and took the watch
himself.
Now the D-17, like her sister ship the D-16, which had been sunk off the
Dardanelles--an accident in which all on board escaped as by a
miracle--was as unlike other under-water craft as day is from night.
In the first place, she was able to remain under water indefinitely. It
was not necessary for her to return to the surface every so often to
replenish her air tanks, for she carried no tanks. The D-17 generated
her air supply from the water, by means of a secret process known only
to high officials of the British admiralty. Also, the D-17 was the last
word in submarine craft in other respects. She had a speed of more than
thirty knots when submerged, could move along even faster upon the
surface of the water, and her bow, a solid piece of substantial glass,
in which reposed a huge searchlight, made it possible for her to pick
her course under the water--something that no other submarine craft was
able to do. For this latter reason she could venture places where no
other vessel would dare.
The huge light flashing in front now, Jack took his stand and stood with
eyes straining into the distance ahead.
And while the D-17 is thus moving toward the strongest fortification of
the enemy, a few words concerning the two subordinate officers aboard
are necessary.
Frank Chadwick, an American youth of some seventeen years of age, found
himself in his present position as a result of a series of strange
happenings. He had lost his father in Italy immediately after the
outbreak of the great war, and while hunting him in Naples, had been
shanghaied aboard an Italian schooner. Here, following a mutiny of the
crew and the death of the captain, he found himself a prisoner,
remaining so until released by Jack Templeton.
The latter's appearance came about in this manner: Jack, the son of an
Englishman, nevertheless had spent most of his life in a little African
coast town. His father died there and Jack found himself sole owner of a
little store, which had almost a native trade alone, though an
occasional ship put in for supplies.
One day a schooner hove in sight. A boat put over the side and its
occupants obtained provisions at Jack's store. In the lad's absence,
they departed without making payment. Jack hurried after them to collect
and climbed aboard the schooner just as she raised anchor. A fight
followed his demand for payment. By some resourcefulness and some good
hard fighting, the lad succeeded in gaining the upper hand. Then he
released Frank, whom he found a prisoner with another, a British secret
service agent.
A series of subsequent events threw the lads into the company of Lord
Hastings, who, taking a liking to them, answered their pleas to be made
sailors by securing them commissions and taking them aboard his own ship
at the opening of the great world war.
Then had followed months of excitement and adventure. They had taken
part in British successes and reverses on all the seven seas. They had
been "in at the death" in the first British naval victory off
Heligoland; they had followed the German cruiser _Emden_, "the Terror of
the Sea"; they had been in action with the British fleet that destroyed
the German squadron off the Falkland Islands in the western hemisphere;
they had seen action in other parts of the globe--at the Dardanelles,
with the Japanese at Tsingchau, with the French in the Adriatic and with
the Russians in the Baltic.
In a word, they were veterans.
Many were the narrow escapes they had had, but they had always survived.
Their latest venture had almost cost Frank his life, for, after the
submarine upon which they sailed had been destroyed, Frank engaged in a
death struggle with a British traitor in the waters of the North Sea and
had won by a scant fraction. He was unconscious when rescued by his chum
and he had remained inactive, as had the others, in England for several
weeks.
But now, the D-17 having been put in service, Lord Hastings had been
named to command her and all were eager to get busy again.
Frank, though sturdy and strong, was by no means a match for his chum, a
powerful and husky young Englishman. Also he was naturally more
hot-headed than his friend, and given to taking foolhardy chances--at
times. Jack's coolness had saved both more than once.
Jack was what Frank called a real fighter and had proved his mettle more
than once since the two had been together. Strong as an ox, he was a bad
customer to tackle in a rough and tumble and he was exceedingly
proficient in the use of his fists. Also he was a fair swordsman and a
fair shot.
It was in the latter accomplishment that Frank excelled. He was a dead
shot with either rifle or revolver, as he had proved in several tight
situations where straight shooting had been necessary. He had never
failed in this respect.
Fortunately, both lads spoke German and French as well as English, and
under Lord Hastings' tutoring, they had also picked up a smattering of
Italian, Russian and Hungarian--not much, perhaps, but enough to carry
on a conversation, although with some difficulty.
At the time the D-17 made her way toward Heligoland, the great war was
almost at a standstill. It seemed that the warring nations had reached a
deadlock that could not be broken.
On sea, of course, the Allies held the whip hand, except for the
submarine warfare instigated by the Central Powers. This, however, due
in a measure to the activities of British under-sea craft upon which
Jack and Frank had served, had been somewhat lessened lately and German
U-boats, as they had come to be known, had not been so active recently.
On land, however, it seemed that neither side had gained much in the
last few months. What advantage there was seemed to have rested with the
Germans, for the Kaiser's mighty drive through the Balkans had
completely crushed heroic little Serbia and had opened a path to
Constantinople for the German hordes. Also it had brought Bulgaria into
the war on the side of the Central Powers, giving them the armed weight
necessary to keep Greece and Roumania from throwing their support to the
Allies, much as they would have liked to do so.
This was the situation, then, when the D-17 steamed slowly toward the
German naval fortress of Heligoland.
As Lord Hastings, standing by Frank at the wheel, gave the course,
avoiding mines as well as he could by the chart that had somehow come
into his possession, Jack retained his place forward in the glass-like
cage, his eyes steadily ahead.
For an hour, perhaps, he sat there, seeing nothing that indicated
danger.
Then, suddenly, his right hand shot out, his finger touched a little
push-button; the throb of the engines ceased as if by magic and the D-17
seemed to halt in her track.
Jack approached Lord Hastings.
"Mine, sir," he said, quietly.
CHAPTER II.
WITHIN THE FORTRESS.
"Good work, Jack," said Frank, approvingly.
"What do you advise?" asked Lord Hastings. "Up or down?"
"Depends on the depth, sir," replied Jack.
"We'll have a look at the chart," said Lord Hastings.
He spread it out before him and the three pored over it for several
moments.
"Here you are, sir," said Frank, at last, placing a finger on the chart.
"Plenty of water," was Lord Hastings' comment. "Submerge another five
fathoms, Mr. Templeton."
Jack gave the order and then returned to his post.
The D-17 submerged another five fathoms and proceeded at a snail's pace.
Jack kept his eyes glued to the course ahead.
Half an hour later the vibrations of the engine ceased. Then Jack made
his way aft to where Lord Hastings and Frank were conversing.
"Unless I am badly off in my calculations," said Lord Hastings, "we
should now be able to come to the surface beyond the mine field."
"And as soon as we do, some German warship will send us to the bottom,"
remarked Frank dryly.
"So they will--if they see us," returned his commander. "We must make it
a point that they do not see us. That's all."
"All very well, sir," said Jack, "but if we go up now they are sure to
see us--and they won't mistake us for one of themselves this time."
Lord Hastings smiled quietly.
"Then we won't go up now," he replied as he looked at his watch and
noted that it was half past five. "It'll be dark in less than an hour.
We'll remain here until then."
This ended the conversation and the commander of the D-17 went to his
cabin, leaving Jack in command.
The time passed slowly, but darkness came at last; and with its coming
Lord Hastings emerged from his cabin, attired in the uniform of a German
lieutenant-commander.
"I forgot to tell you lads to don your German uniforms," he said. "I'll
wait now, but make haste."
Frank and Jack hurried away in response to this command and soon were
attired in the full regalia of German lieutenants. Lord Hastings eyed
them approvingly.
"There is no use talking," he said, "I have always thought it--and I am
sure of it now--both of you would make first-class Germans. You may give
the command to come to the surface, Mr. Templeton."
A few moments later the D-17 rode gently upon the calm sea within the
fortifications of Heligoland, the greatest German military fortresses,
and considered among the strongest and most impregnable in the world.
It was very dark and the night was perfectly still when the three forms
ascended the ladder and emerged from the conning tower to the
bridge--open now that the submarine was above water. A fourth figure
followed them, that of Price, an aged British tar, whom Lord Hastings
had designated to take command in their absence.
"Don't forget now, Price," said Lord Hastings sternly, "you will
submerge immediately we have put off and on no account will you come to
the surface again until 9 o'clock to-morrow night. Then you will rise in
exactly this spot--and be sure that you are on time. Do I make myself
clear?"
"Perfectly, sir," replied Price, saluting.
"Good. Then launch the boat."
This was done immediately and a few moments later Lord Hastings, Jack
and Frank were proceeding rapidly shoreward, the engine of the small
motor-boat muffled so that all that could be heard was the faint sound
of the exhaust.
In the darkness, as they sped on, loomed great, dark shapes--the forms
of some of the most powerful of the Kaiser's formidable sea fighters.
Smoke poured from their funnels and faint lights glowed aboard.
"Ready for action at any moment," said Lord Hastings.
"So they are," agreed Frank. "Great Scott! It doesn't seem possible that
so many of these great craft could be afraid to venture forth to give
battle."
"No, it doesn't," declared Jack. "But at the same time, you must
remember there are more and still more formidable craft waiting for them
to come out and try it."
"That's true, too," admitted Frank. "I wish they would try it, though. I
don't believe many of them would get back."
"Evidently the Germans have the same belief--which is the reason they
haven't tried it," said Lord Hastings, smiling in the darkness.
"Silence, now," he cautioned them, after a moment. "We are close to the
shore. Let all further talk be in German."
Five minutes later the motor-boat came to a long pier, which extended
far into the water.
"Here we are," said Lord Hastings in German. He glanced around. "Other
boats tied up here. Guess we might as well do the same," he said. "We
may need it. Fortunately, at my suggestion, none of the D-17's boats
bear a mark of identification. Guess it won't be bothered."
The three climbed up on the pier and the boat was made fast.
"Which way now, sir?" asked Frank.
"We'll just do a little prowling," said Lord Hastings.
He turned and was about to move off when there came a gruff hail:
"Who goes there?"
"Friend!" replied Lord Hastings, wheeling about quickly and looking into
the heavy-joweled face of a German sentinel.
The German eyed the three figures keenly; then, apparently satisfied
that they were all they seemed, he brought his hand up in a stiff
military salute. The three passed on.
"Rather lax methods here, if you ask me," said Frank, when they were out
of hearing.
"Oh, I don't know," said Jack. "You must remember that they feel
perfectly secure. Evidently they have no idea an enemy would venture
within this fortification."
"Some of them have ventured within ours," returned Frank.
"Just the egotism of the German, that's all," said Lord Hastings. "They
all believe they can do things that no other man would even consider."
"So they do," declared Frank.
Jack looked at his chum in surprise.
"Just what do you mean by that?" he demanded.
"Oh, I was just thinking of the _Lusitania_, and a few other things."
"That's different," said Jack.
They continued their walk.
Now they came to a brilliantly lighted street.
"I didn't know this was a regular city," was Frank's comment.
"Neither is it," returned Lord Hastings, "although there are some few
people living here."
"But look," protested Frank, pointing, "those are restaurants and cafés;
and there are stores and things."
"So there are," returned his commander. "Must have changed since I was
here last. However, I suppose it is because the garrison has to have
some form of entertainment. Guess the best thing we can do is to go in
one of these cafés and look about a bit."
He led the way, and just before entering the brilliantly lighted
doorway, paused long enough to say in a low voice:
"No hesitation now. It would prove fatal. Walk as if you owned the
place--just as every German does."
The boys needed no instructions along this line, and they followed Lord
Hastings with heads erect, swaggering a trifle.
Inside there was revelry. German officers sat about tables that lined
the four walls of the room. With them, or some of them, were their
wives. Apparently it was the supper hour.
At a far end of the room a string orchestra furnished music and there
were four singers--two men and two women--or rather one young girl, for
such Frank perceived her to be after careful inspection.
A courteous waiter met the three at the door as they entered, and with
many bows ushered them to a table in a distant corner. They sat down and
Lord Hastings gave the order for supper.
Now the music struck up a more lively gait and some of the German
officers and their wives arose and danced in the center of the floor.
Frank saw a young German lieutenant, who apparently had been drinking,
approach the youthful singer. Apparently he asked her to dance, for he
indicated the other whirling couples. But the girl shook her head.
Whereupon the young German muttered something under his breath and took
himself away.
Frank found his eyes continually straying toward the young girl; and
once aware of his scrutiny, the girl's eyes also flashed in his
direction more often than was necessary. Jack noticed this, but said
nothing.
But there was something else that Jack noticed as he ate. The young
German who had so recently been refused by the girl, had followed the
direction of her eyes and he now glared at Frank balefully. Jack smiled
to himself.
But the lad's smile soon changed to a frown.
After five minutes, the young German officer again approached the girl
and again asked her to dance. He met a second refusal and this time
words ensued. The German seemed angry and two of his companions
approached and pulled him away.
Frank had been a witness of this scene, as had Jack and Lord Hastings.
"The big bully!" said Frank half aloud. "Just because he wears a German
uniform he thinks he owns the earth. I would like to teach him a
lesson."
"Don't try it here," said Lord Hastings quietly. "Remember where we are
and the position we are in."
"Oh, I won't, sir," replied Frank. "But I don't like that fellow's
looks."
"You don't, eh?" said Jack. "Well, how about the pretty singer. I notice
you have been looking that way quite often."
Frank's face grew red.
"She doesn't look like a German to me," he said.
"No, she doesn't," Jack agreed. "Still, she must be or she wouldn't be
here. Besides, she hasn't a trace of accent."
"Neither have you and you are not German," declared Frank.
Jack would have replied, but his attention was suddenly drawn again to
the girl, who now seemed to be making signals to catch Frank's eye.
"Seems to want to talk to you," said Jack, nudging his chum slyly.
At that moment the girl looked directly at Frank and smiled. Then she
motioned him to come to her. Frank was greatly flustered. Not so Jack.
"You'd better go. She probably wants you to dance with her," said Jack.
"Yes, you had better go, Frank," said Lord Hastings. "In the first place
it would be impolite to refuse, and besides, it might attract attention.
Only be careful."
Frank, his face still red, hesitated a moment; then rose to his feet.
CHAPTER III.
A WARNING.
Now, Frank, attired in his German uniform, made a handsome picture of a
young officer and many eyes were turned his way as he strode across the
floor. Particularly did the young German officer with whom the singer
had refused to dance eye him, but his was not a gaze of admiration--it
was anger.
Lord Hastings called Jack's attention to this.
"Oh, I've noticed it," said Jack. "I'll keep an eye on him. Now I wonder
what that girl wants with Frank?"
Lord Hastings shrugged his shoulders.
"You have as much an idea as I have," was his reply.
The girl arose from her seat as Frank approached. She extended a hand,
and, with the air of a true cavalier, Frank bent low over it. Then, as
the music struck up, the girl smiled and would have spoken, but Frank
forestalled her.
"Will you dance?" he asked.
She nodded; and a moment later they were whirling about the floor in an
old-fashioned waltz.
Thus among the crowd there was a certain privacy and Frank was moved to
ask:
"And now will you not tell me why you signalled me?"
Instantly the girl became serious, although she continued to smile.
"I must be brief," she said, "so listen closely. In the first place you
are not German. Oh, I knew it the moment you came in," she said
hurriedly, as Frank gave a start. "I wouldn't have mentioned it, but the
young German officer whom I refused to dance with also suspects. He said
as much when he noticed me looking at you. He said he would catch you
off your guard and force you to betray yourself."
"But----" Frank started to protest.
"Oh, there is no use trying to fool me," said the girl. "I know you are
not a German--an Englishman perhaps, eh?"
Frank smiled at her.
"No; not an Englishman," he replied.
"You are not French," said the girl, looking up at him. "Even though you
speak German without accent, I know you are not French, for I myself am
French and I would detect it."
"No; I am not French," said Frank with another smile.
"Then what?" asked the girl.
"Well," said Frank, "what would you say to an American."
"An American!" exclaimed the girl. "Are you, really? I am glad, for I
have wanted to meet an American."
Suddenly Frank gave another start.
"Great Scott!" he thought. "Suppose this girl is fooling me? Suppose she
has taken this means of finding out who we are?"
He looked at her suspiciously. But the girl evidently read his thoughts,
for she looked at him steadily and said:
"No, I will not betray you. You need have no fear."
"But if you are French," said Frank, "what are you doing here?"
"It's a long story," said the girl, "and some day I may tell you. But
now I have not time. The music will stop in a moment or two now, and you
must return to your friends. But I had to warn you, for I know that
Lieutenant Holzen is bent on mischief. It would be well for you and your
friends to leave at once."
"Thanks," said Frank, "but we are able to take care of ourselves."
"Oh, I know that," responded the girl. "But I know also that you would
not be here except upon some desperate mission and that you cannot
afford to jeopardize for the sake of a quarrel."
"You are right, of course," said Frank quietly. "But tell me, what is my
mission to you?"
"Nothing," said the girl slowly, "only that--that I would do anything
for France."
She said it gravely and there could be no mistaking her earnestness.
Frank bowed his head in reply; for there was nothing he could say.
Several times more they whirled about the room; and then Frank bethought
himself to ask the girl who she was.
"Will you tell me your name?" he asked. "I am Lieutenant Chadwick of His
British Majesty's service."
The girl smiled and would have replied, but at that moment the music
ceased. Frank offered her his arm and led her back to her seat and there
was no further opportunity for the girl to reply to the lad's last
question. As she resumed her seat, Frank bowed once more, then turned on
his heel and strode back to his own table, where Lord Hastings and Jack
were awaiting him eagerly.
"Well, fair charmer," Jack greeted him. "How----"
Frank silenced his chum with a gesture.
"This is a serious business," he said quietly and told the others what
the girl had said.
"And you admitted it?" exclaimed Jack in a subdued voice. "She'll tell
every German in forty miles."
"No, she won't," declared Frank. "She was telling the truth."
Jack laughed aloud.
"Of all the credulous----" he began.
"Look here. I tell you she was telling the truth," declared Frank
angrily.
Again Jack laughed and Frank was about to make another angry remark when
Lord Hastings interfered.
"Perhaps Frank is right," he said quietly. "At all events, it is nothing
for you two to fight about."
"We're not fighting, sir," said Jack. "But the idea----"
"The idea nothing!" Frank broke in. "I guess I know what I am talking
about. I danced with her, didn't I? You didn't."
"Ha! ha!" said Jack. "You see, sir, he brags about it. She's fooled him,
all right."
"Don't you believe it, sir," declared Frank. "I tell you, sir, the girl
was telling me the truth. Why, sir, you have only to look at her----"
"Now we have it, sir," exclaimed Jack. "That's it. You have only to look
at her. Ha! ha!"
"I tell you----" Frank began angrily again.
Jack made his chum a bow across the table.
"You are right," he said with a superior air that only angered Frank the
more. "She told you the truth."
"Enough of this," interposed Lord Hastings. "No matter whether she told
the truth or not, we are in danger. If she didn't tell the truth we are
likely to be set upon at any moment and if she did the German officer
probably will make trouble. The best thing we can do is get out of
here."
He signaled the waiter and paid the check.
"Come," he said and got to his feet.
The waiter brought their hats and cloaks and Lord Hastings moved toward
the door. Jack followed him and Frank came last.
On the way to the door it was necessary to pass the table at which the
German officer and his companions were seated. Lord Hastings walked by
without a glance, as did Jack. Frank would have followed, but the German
suddenly jumped to his feet and confronted him with an imprecation.
"Stand aside," said Frank quietly.
The German made no move to comply. At first Frank thought of pushing the
man away; then changed his mind, for he realized that such an act would
draw all eyes to them. The best plan was to get by quietly if possible.
"What is it?" he asked.
"It is my belief that you are a spy," declared the German.
"Yes?" said Frank inquiringly. "Well, sir, every man has a right to his
own opinion; you as well as another."
"Smart, aren't you?" sneered the German. He raised his hand suddenly
and, before Frank could realize his intention, slapped the lad smartly
across the face.
Frank took a step forward and his hands clenched. His face turned red
and he was about to return the blow. A second time his better judgment
prevailed and he stepped back, remarking quietly:
"You shall answer for that, Lieutenant Holzen!"
"What! you know my name?" exclaimed the German. "So I shall answer, eh?
Yes, so I shall, at any time and place that suits your convenience."
"I am no duelist," said Frank quietly.
"No; you are a coward," was the retort.
Again Frank's face turned red and his hands clenched; but he restrained
himself.
"For that you shall answer also," he said. "Now, stand aside. I would
pass."
"Not much!" said Lieutenant Holzen. "First you must tell me the time and
place of meeting."
"Look here, I'm getting tired of this foolishness," said Frank. "Get out
of my way."
"What do you mean by speaking like that to me?" demanded the German
angrily. "You shall pass when I allow you to pass, not before."
"If you don't get out of my way immediately, I shall have to throw you
out," said Frank very quietly, which was a sure sign that his anger was
reaching the bursting point.
"So?" said the German with a laugh. "Now, I say----"
"You've said enough," cried Frank suddenly.
He struck out suddenly with his right fist. The blow went true. Struck
upon the point of the jaw, the German reeled back. Frank straightened
him up again with a left-handed hook to the stomach and then sent his
right fist to the jaw a second time. The German officer sprawled across
the table.
Before any of the others could interfere Frank dashed toward the door
where Lord Hastings and Jack stood, having watched developments with the
assurance that Frank could take care of himself.
All dashed out together.
"This way!" cried Lord Hastings.
The others followed close on his heels.
Behind, as they darted round a corner, they could hear the hue and cry
of the pursuers.
"We'll have to do some sprinting," declared Lord Hastings.
For perhaps fifteen minutes they ran, turning corner after corner, and
at last, when Lord Hastings felt they were safe from pursuit, he drew up
for a much needed breath.
"Can't tell whether they'll follow us or not," he said. "If they take
any stock in the officer's story that we are spies, they will. If they
think it is just a private quarrel, the chances are they won't. However,
we can do no particular good here. We'll have to go back and see."
"Anything you say, sir," agreed Frank. "I suppose I shouldn't have hit
that fellow, but he wouldn't let me by."
"Don't worry about that. You did exactly right," declared Lord Hastings.
"Come on."
He led the way in the direction from which they had come.
CHAPTER IV.
MARIE DULCÉ.
Things seemed to have quieted down when the three found themselves again
before the café. Apparently there had been but a faint-hearted pursuit.
All breathed easier.
"They can't have believed very much in that spy story," remarked Frank.
"It would seem that way," agreed Lord Hastings. "Evidently they took
your friend's words as the ravings of a man intoxicated."
"A good thing, too, sir," said Jack. "None of them will molest us,
unless it is the doughty lieutenant himself."
"We don't need to worry about him, I guess," said Lord Hastings. "Now we
must get busy. I wonder----" as a sudden thought struck him, "if your
friend," he turned to Frank, "the young lady, I mean, couldn't give us,
or get for us, the information we desire."
"I guess she could, sir," replied Frank, "if we could find her."
"She probably is still in the café," said Jack.
"And so probably is Lieutenant Holzen," replied Frank dryly.
"True," said Lord Hastings. "We can't afford to risk another encounter.
Guess we'll have to hunt up the place she lives. All we have to do is
ask where Mademoiselle--by the way, Frank, what is her name?"
"I don't know, sir. She didn't tell me."
"What?" exclaimed Lord Hastings in surprise. "You are a nice gallant,
you are. So you failed to find out her name, eh?"
"Yes, sir. She was just going to tell me when the music stopped."
Jack laughed.
"Maybe she wasn't so anxious to tell you," he said.
"Now look here," said Frank, "don't let's start that again. If it
touches you on a sore spot, I'll drop the subject."
"Oh, all right," said Jack.
"Well, the matter should not be so difficult, anyhow," declared Lord
Hastings. "We'll ask someone the name of the young lady who sings."
"Perfectly simple, sir," agreed Jack. "Whom shall we ask?"
"The first person we see," was the reply.
Lord Hastings led the way down the street. An officer approached. Lord
Hastings accosted him in German.
"I have recently been ordered to Heligoland," he said. "A moment ago I
was in yonder café," pointing, "and the young singer in there bears such
a striking resemblance to the daughter of a friend of mine that I should
like to know if she is the same."
"And the name of the young lady to whom you refer?" questioned the
German.
"Henrietta! Henrietta Blucher!"
The German laughed.
"Then you are mistaken," he said pleasantly. "The young lady who sings
in yonder café is Marie Dulcé and she is a French girl."
"I had not taken her to be French," returned Lord Hastings. "Can you
tell me where she lives?"
"Why, certainly," was the reply, and the German named an address and
gave the necessary directions for getting there. "I don't imagine," he
added, "you will find her home much before 12 o'clock, the café does not
close until eleven."
Lord Hastings thanked the man and the latter took himself off.
"Well, we have that much to go on, anyhow," said Lord Hastings. "Now the
best thing for us to do is to go to Mlle. Dulcé's home and await her
arrival."
"And maybe they won't let us in," said Jack.
"We'll have to chance that."
An hour later they sought the address given and mounted the steps. Lord
Hastings rang the bell. A pleasant-appearing woman of middle age
answered their summons. At a glance Lord Hastings knew she was French
and he addressed her in that language.
"Could it be that you are Madame Dulcé?" he inquired courteously.
The woman smiled as she answered in the affirmative.
"We," said Lord Hastings, indicating Frank and Jack as well as himself,
"would have a few words with your daughter Marie when she returns home.
We have sought her here rather than at the café for several reasons."
A look of deep anxiety spread itself over Madame Dulcé's face and she
asked excitedly:
"What has she done, sir? Surely she will not be arrested? You do not
take her for a spy?"
"You need have no fear," returned Lord Hastings reassuringly. "We mean
no harm. May we come in and wait?"
"Certainly."
Madame Dulcé led the way into a small, though cozy parlor and took their
hats and coats.
"Marie will be here soon after twelve," she said. "She always comes
straight home, for she knows I worry about her."
"How does it happen that she sings in the café?" asked Lord Hastings.
"Because we are so poor," was the reply. "Her salary there enables us to
keep the wolf away from the door. Frau Heffler, who also sings, was the
one who so kindly gave her the opportunity."
"I see," said Lord Hastings, and became silent.
The time passed slowly; but it passed. Frank waited eagerly, for he was
anxious to see the girl again. Jack noticed the look on his chum's face
and remarked:
"Now just be patient. Marie will soon be here."
Frank smiled.
"It's not as bad as that, I assure you," he returned.
Came the sound of light footsteps without. A key turned in the front
door and the footsteps came toward the parlor.
"You have company, mother?" asked the girl's voice as she tripped
forward.
"Some gentlemen to see you, Marie," was the reply.
In the doorway the girl stood spellbound for a brief instant, as she
made out the faces of the callers. At first she did not recognize Lord
Hastings and Jack, but she knew Frank instantly.
"Lieutenant Chadwick!" she exclaimed.
She came forward with outstretched hand and again Frank bent low over
it.
"But tell me," she said. "How were you able to find my home? And what is
it you want of me?"
"I found your home by asking," returned Frank. "As for what we want, I
would first present my commander and brother officer to you."
Introductions followed all around and then the girl repeated her
question.
"I would rather," said Lord Hastings, giving Marie a sharp look, "if we
could speak with you alone."
"But my mother----" protested the girl.
"I know," continued Lord Hastings, "but she need have no fear."
Madame Dulcé arose and smiled.
"I shall leave you," she said. "When you have finished your talk, will
you call me, Marie?"
The girl nodded and Madame Dulcé left the room.
"Now, gentlemen," said Marie, turning to the others.
"As commander of this party," said Lord Hastings with a smile, "I guess
it is up to me, as the Americans say, to do the talking." He gazed at
the girl earnestly. "You know something of us already," he added, "so
there is no harm in putting ourselves further in your power."
"You need have no fear that I shall betray you," said the girl.
"I had no such thought," responded Lord Hastings courteously. "Well,
then the situation is this," and he told her why they had come to
Heligoland.
"And what is it you want of me?" said the girl, when he had concluded.
"Recalling what you told Mr. Chadwick you would do for France," said
Lord Hastings quietly, "I am here to put you to the test."
The girl sprang to her feet and her eyes flashed for a brief instant.
Then she sat down again.
"Try me," she said quietly.
Lord Hastings nodded his satisfaction.
"Then," said he, "can you tell me something of the fortifications of
Heligoland? Can you tell me its weak spots and its strong? Can you tell
me how many men there are here--how many battleships? In short, can you
tell me anything that will be of value to the Allies?"
"I can," was the quiet reply. "Ever since the war broke out I have been
learning things--and trying to learn more--and I have stored them up in
my memory for just this chance. It has been my ambition to serve France
and it makes me happy to think I can do so at last."
"Good," said Lord Hastings. "Then perhaps the best way will be for you
to answer my questions."
"_Bien_, Lord Hastings."
"First, then, from what you have learned, where is the weakest spot in
the fortifications--the spot that would be most susceptible to attack?"
"I can answer that quickly," was the reply. "There is none."
"The number of ships in the harbor?" was Lord Hastings' next question.
"At the moment, seventy-two, cruisers, dreadnoughts and torpedo boats.
The others are in the Kiel Canal, or in the Baltic."
"And the number of men now stationed here?"
"I can't answer that exactly, but the number is comparatively small. I
can find out in the morning."
"We'll pass that for the moment, then. Is there a submarine base here,
or do the underwater boats operate from Kiel?"
"There is a submarine base here."
Thus Lord Hastings questioned the girl at length and she answered
quietly and comprehensively. The conversation continued for more than an
hour. Lord Hastings, Jack and Frank storing what the girl told them in
their memories for future use.
"And now," said Lord Hastings, "for the final question."
Marie Dulcé smiled.
"I'm ready," she said.
"Is there any way in which you can procure for me a map of the fortress
itself, including all its details?"
For a brief moment the girl was silent. Then she sprang to her feet, her
eyes once again flashing.
"I can and I will!" she cried determinedly. "You shall have the paper
to-morrow night before eight o'clock."
CHAPTER V.
THAT NIGHT.
The conversation having come to this point, Lord Hastings considered
further words useless. He was deeply impressed by the bearing of the
young French girl and he had no doubt that she would do what she
said--or, at least, that it would not be her fault if she failed; nor,
for that matter, had Frank or Jack.
"Well," said Lord Hastings after a short silence, "that settles that,
then. I don't suppose you will tell me your plan?"
The girl shook her head and smiled.
"It's hardly necessary," she replied. "Now, if you wish, I shall have
mother make a place here for you for the night. I don't suppose you have
any other place to go?"
Lord Hastings shook his head negatively, and half an hour later the
three found themselves in a cozy little room on the second floor, in
which there were two beds.
"You may sleep securely here," was Madame Dulcé's parting words.
Neither Jack, Frank, nor the commander wasted much time getting into
bed, for they were all tired out and a few moments later they were
asleep.
All were astir early in the Dulcé home the following morning, in spite
of the lateness of the hour at which they had retired.
"I suppose you will be on your mission this morning?" asked Lord
Hastings of Marie.
"No," replied the girl with a smile. "To-night will be time enough. I
shall spend the day here entertaining you."
Lord Hastings made a gallant response, but he did not press the girl for
the method she intended to pursue.
The day passed pleasantly and swiftly. Night came only too soon, thought
Frank, who was beginning to admire the young French girl immensely.
Dusk fell soon after five o'clock and Marie made ready to go. Heavily
cloaked and muffled, she turned in the door as she was about to leave.
"If you will venture to the café again to-night," she said, "I shall
have the papers for you. There is no other place where I can give them
to you, so you will have to risk another visit."
"We shall be there," said Frank. "I guess we can avoid Lieutenant Holzen
some way, if he should be there."
"He is always there," replied Marie and a moment later she was gone.
"I guess we had better wait a while," said Lord Hastings. "Nothing was
ever gained by being in a rush."
Accordingly it was an hour later--almost half-past six o'clock--when the
three came again to the little café.
Lord Hastings entered jauntily, not the slightest nervousness in his
manner, though his right hand in the pocket of his great coat rested
upon the butt of his revolver. Frank and Jack, close behind, also had a
hand thrust into their pockets and there was no need to mention what lay
within the palm of each.
A waiter approached and conducted them to a table at the far end of the
room, but one removed from the one they had had the night before. Lord
Hastings gave the order and then, for the first time, glanced around.
There was no sign of Lieutenant Holzen.
Across the room Marie was preparing to sing and a hush fell over the
diners,--which continued until she had finished. Following came a roar
of approval. It was while she was responding to an encore that
Lieutenant Holzen entered.
Frank was the first to see him and gave a start. He spoke to Lord
Hastings in a whisper.
"Keep your nerve, now," was his commander's quiet response. "If he comes
over here, let me deal with him."
Frank said nothing.
Now Marie had resumed her seat. Lieutenant Holzen, after glancing toward
her, swept the room with his eyes. As he perceived Lord Hastings and his
two officers, he clenched his hands and took a step forward.
For a moment Frank could see that he was plainly undecided just what to
do; then the German hastily approached.
Frank gripped the table with both hands.
Before the three, Lieutenant Holzen paused. His eyes rested upon Frank.
"Last night," he said, "when I was somewhat the worse for wear, you
struck me. I demand either an apology or the satisfaction due from one
gentleman to another."
Lord Hastings answered for Frank.
"If my friend here has insulted you," he said quietly, "it is but right
that you should demand an accounting. We shall be here all evening. If
you will send a friend to me, we shall arrange the details."
The German bowed and Lord Hastings, Frank and Jack did likewise. Then
turning on his heel, Lieutenant Holzen walked away.
Frank kept an eye on him and saw that the young German spent most of his
time gazing at Marie. Looking in her direction, he was surprised to see
the girl return the young officer's smile. She nodded to him.
Frank mentioned the matter to Lord Hastings, and added:
"I don't like it."
"Ho! Ho!" laughed Jack. "So you are getting jealous, eh?"
Frank flushed.
"You know better than that," he replied sharply. "I just don't like it;
that's all."
Suddenly, in response to a smile from Marie, Lieutenant Holzen arose and
approached her. The music was about to commence and Frank realized what
was going to happen. For some reason he could not explain to himself he
felt decidedly uncomfortable and shifted uneasily in his seat.
Jack noticed this and was about to make a remark greatly to his chum's
discomfort, when Lord Hastings stayed him with a gesture.
"Quiet now," he said, "and if I am not mistaken and you look sharp, you
may see something interesting."
The music struck up at this juncture and Marie and Lieutenant Holzen
glided smoothly across the floor. Lord Hastings, Jack and Frank followed
them with their eyes.
At last the music stopped. The young German escorted Marie back to her
place and returned to his own table.
Time passed swiftly now for the three British officers. Again Marie
danced with the young German officer, and yet a third time. But when he
came for his fourth dance, she shook her head and inclined it toward
Frank.
The latter had been watching her eagerly and this time he did not
hesitate. Getting quickly to his feet he strode across the room and
offered the girl his arm. A moment later the music struck up again and
the two glided across the floor much to the discomfiture of the young
German, who stood gnawing his mustache and fingering his sword belt.
Suddenly Frank felt the girl's hand slide into his inside breast pocket
and heard the faint crumple of paper. He was about to speak, but Marie
silenced him with a warning: "Sh-h-h."
Half a moment later she whispered:
"The papers you are after are in your pocket. I took them from
Lieutenant Holzen as we danced."
Frank made no reply, but he pressed slightly the fingers that rested so
lightly in his own. It was a signal and the girl understood.
"Now go immediately," she whispered, as the music came to a stop and
Frank led her back to her place.
But first Frank must needs lean over her hand again to say good-bye.
"I shall see you again, some time," he said.
Marie smiled, but said nothing. Frank returned to the others.
"I have the papers," he said quietly to Lord Hastings.
"Good! I had surmised as much," was his commander's reply.
"She said that we had better go immediately," said Frank.
"We can't do that," said Lord Hastings. "You may remember we have an
appointment with a friend of Lieutenant Holzen."
It was half an hour later that this friend approached them. Lord
Hastings rose to greet him, as did Jack. Frank remained seated.
The newcomer introduced himself and Lord Hastings gave a fictitious
name, also introducing Jack and Frank in the same manner. Then they went
into details of the duel.
"As the challenged party," said Lord Hastings, thinking to keep up
appearances, "we have the choice of weapons." The German bowed. "Then,"
said Lord Hastings, "we name revolvers at twenty paces."
"Good. And the time?"
Lord Hastings seemed to consider for a moment. At last he said:
"In the morning at six o'clock."
"And the place?"
"That shall rest with you."
The man designated a spot and Lord Hastings announced that it would be
satisfactory. The German bowed and took his departure.
"Nothing like keeping up appearances, sir," said Jack with a smile. "To
have heard you talk, no one would have expected that you knew the duel
was not coming off."
"I flatter myself it wasn't done so badly," returned Lord Hastings
modestly.
"And how soon shall we go, sir?" asked Frank. Lord Hastings produced his
watch.
"Eight o'clock," he said, putting the timepiece back in his pocket. "We
haven't much time, and yet we have considerable. I believe we had as
well stay here until half-past. We can make it in that time."
"As you will, sir," returned Frank, and settled back in his chair to
enjoy the music.
But his enjoyment of the music was to be short-lived. Trouble came
suddenly and unexpectedly.
Frank, chancing to glance toward Lieutenant Holzen, saw that worthy put
his hand to his breast pocket. Immediately his face turned red and he
sprang to his feet. Hurriedly he thrust his hands into all his pockets.
Then his face turned from red to white.
Frank nudged Lord Hastings.
"Holzen has discovered his loss, sir," he said quietly. "Had we better
move?"
Lord Hastings sat still.
"Too bad," he said calmly. "I am afraid this means trouble. We'll
probably have to fight and run. Guns ready, boys."
The lads dropped both hands to the holsters that hung on either side of
their belts. They were ready.
"We'll let him start the trouble," said Lord Hastings quietly. "Then
we'll make a break for the door."
Lieutenant Holzen was not long starting the trouble. He sprang to his
feet with a shout.
"There are traitors and spies in this room!" he shouted.
CHAPTER VI.
FLIGHT.
Frank made a move to rise. Lord Hastings stayed him.
"Wait!" was all he said.
Immediately following Lieutenant Holzen's words, there was a terrible
commotion in the café. Officers jumped quickly to their feet. Several
rushed to Lieutenant Holzen, who still stood there gesticulating wildly.
"Traitors! Spies!" he cried.
"Be calm," said one of the officers. "Tell me what is the matter?"
"My papers!" shouted the young German. "My papers! The charts of the
fortress! They are gone."
"Impossible!" cried one of the others. "You must be mistaken. Look
through your pockets again."
"I looked through them!" was the shouted response. "See here! and here!"
and he turned them all wrong side out.
"Perhaps you left them in your rooms," said another officer.
"No. I brought them with me. I had them when I sat down."
"But no one has come near you," said one of his companions. "But wait a
moment. You danced with Mlle. Dulcé. Could she have taken them? You
danced with her several times; yet, on previous nights, I have noticed
that she avoided you. It must be she."
"Yes! It must be she!" cried Lieutenant Holzen. "Arrest her!"
Half-a-dozen men moved down the room toward where Marie Dulcé stood
smiling. It was at that moment that Lord Hastings gave the signal to
rise.
"Up and run for the door!" he cried. "Shoot the first man who draws a
gun!"
He suited the action to the word, and the two lads were right behind
him.
Before Lord Hastings loomed up the figure of a German colonel. The
commander of the D-17 fired point-blank and the man fell to the floor.
Lord Hastings dashed on.
Now Marie took a hand in things herself. As one of the Germans would
have seized her, she stepped quickly backward and reached upward on the
wall. There her hand found what she knew it would find--an electric
switch. Quickly she threw it and the room was plunged into utter
darkness.
Eluding the grasp of the man who reached for her in the darkness, Marie
stepped quickly forward. Keeping close to the wall, she made her way
toward the front door. On all sides men shouted and women screamed, but
the girl went on calmly.
Occasional revolver flashes lighted up the darkness, but only
momentarily.
Lord Hastings, reaching the door, found it barred by two men. Before he
could bring his revolver to bear, an outstretched arm sent it spinning
from his hand. Lord Hastings growled and struck out with his fist. An
arm encircled his neck and held him powerless. At the same time a voice
called out:
"I've got one of them!"
Jack, who was immediately behind his commander, although he could not
see what was going on, realized from the German's words what was up, and
called out:
"Where are you, sir?"
"Here," came the reply. "A man has me around the neck."
Jack's lips shut grimly, and, leaving Frank to guard their rear, he
stepped quickly forward and laid his hand on a man's arm.
"Have I hold of you, or the enemy, sir?" he asked quietly.
"Must be the German," was the reply.
Jack ran his hand up the arm until he felt a face. Then he drew back his
left arm and his fist crashed forward.
"All right," said Lord Hastings. "You've dropped him."
The second man who had blocked the doorway now closed in, but Jack
disposed of him quickly. Shots came from behind, and Frank's voice
cried:
"Getting too warm, sir. Let's move."
"Come on, then," said Jack.
He threw his weight against the door, and it crashed open. A moment
later all three were in the street and running in the direction of the
water.
A crowd of Germans poured from the café after them, and the crack of
revolvers sounded like a rapid-fire gun in action.
"We'll have to hurry!" cried Lord Hastings. "They'll have the whole
fortress on our heels in a moment."
Directly the water front came into view.
"Here we are!" cried Lord Hastings. "Quick, now!"
He made directly toward the D-17's motorboat, which he could see was
where he had left it, but at that moment a figure blocked the way. It
was a German sentinel, and his rifle was pointed squarely at Lord
Hastings.
"Halt!" he said sternly.
Lord Hastings stopped in his tracks.
"What's all the row back there?" demanded the sentry.
Lord Hastings would have replied, but Jack did not give him time.
Stepping suddenly from behind Lord Hastings, he dived at the German's
legs. He had gauged the distance accurately, and the two went to the
ground violently. The sentry's gun was discharged, but the bullet
whistled harmlessly over Lord Hastings's head.
"No time to fool with him, Jack!" cried Lord Hastings. "Here come the
others. Hurry!"
Jack raised his opponent's head in his two hands, then bumped it against
the ground.
"There," he said, rising, "that'll keep him for a while."
He hurried after the others, who had jumped into the boat.
"Cut the line there--quick!" commanded Lord Hastings.
Frank obeyed just as Jack tumbled aboard.
"All right, sir. All here," said the latter.
"Good," said Lord Hastings.
The boat moved off, slowly at first, then faster and faster.
By the time the German pursuers had reached the water's edge, the boat
was beyond revolver shot, though still within range of rifles.
"Down!" cried Lord Hastings, as a bullet whistled overhead.
The others obeyed.
"They'll be after us, sir!" shouted Frank.
"They'll have to hurry if they want to catch us," declared Lord
Hastings.
"Say! What time is it?" asked Frank suddenly.
"Why?" demanded his chum.
"Why," repeated Frank, "because if we get out here before nine o'clock
we might just as well stay ashore. Price will not come to the surface
until nine sharp."
By the flare of a match he struck, Jack gazed at his watch.
"No need to worry there, then," he said. "It's three minutes to nine
right now."
"Pretty lucky," said Frank.
"Rather," commented Lord Hastings dryly. "Look back and see if they are
following us."
"Yes, sir, twenty of them," replied Frank, after a glance over his
shoulder.
"Well, we'll have time, unless they are armed with cannon," said Lord
Hastings. "All we need is to get aboard the D-17. Rifle shots won't hurt
us then."
Rifle bullets continued to fly over and about the motorboat, one
occasionally striking home. But none of the occupants was touched.
"We must be about the place," said Frank suddenly.
"About a minute more," responded Lord Hastings.
The minute up, Lord Hastings shut off the engine. They gazed about.
"If Price doesn't come up pretty quick, we'll have to run for it," said
the commander quietly. "It's time now."
"He'll be up unless something has gone wrong," said Jack positively.
"Unless he's gone to sleep," declared Frank.
"Well, I wish he'd hurry," said Jack. "We can't remain here many minutes
longer. They are getting too close."
"So they are," agreed Lord Hastings. "We'll wait thirty seconds, then,
if there is not some sign of the D-17, we'll move. We'll make a fight
for it, at any rate."
The seconds ticked off slowly; and then, just as Lord Hastings was ready
to open the engine, the waters of the sea parted and the neat outline of
the D-17 appeared upon the surface.
A moment later the conning tower opened and Price stepped on deck. The
submarine was perhaps fifty yards away, and Lord Hastings ran the
motorboat toward it at full speed.
"Here we are, Price!" he called.
"All right, sir?"
"All right, but pursued. Below with you, and be ready to submerge the
minute we are below."
"Aye, aye, sir!"
Price disappeared.
A moment later the motorboat scraped alongside the submarine, and the
three clambered over the side as fast as they could amid a veritable
rain of bullets, none of which, however, found its mark.
"Down with you, quick!" shouted Lord Hastings.
Frank and Jack dashed for the companionway at top speed, Lord Hastings
right behind them. Down the ladder they went with a rush, and the
conning tower was hermetically closed behind them.
"Submerge to ten fathoms, and quickly, Mr. Templeton!" said Lord
Hastings quietly.
Jack repeated the command, slowly the tanks began to fill, and the D-17
to submerge, the while the occupants of the motorboats without peppered
the side of the vessel with rifle and revolver bullets.
"Shall I launch a torpedo at them, sir?" asked Frank.
Lord Hastings shook his head.
"Not much use," he said. "You might hit one, and you might not. It's not
worth a chance. But we haven't any time to lose now. They know we're
here, and the quicker we get out the better. They'll have every German
submarine in these waters on the hunt for us. Fortunately, we have the
heels of any of them, and we can still see while submerged. They don't
know that; so, for the moment, the advantage is on our side."
"But, sir," protested Jack, "how about the other part of our plans
here?"
"What?" demanded Lord Hastings.
"Warship, or two, sir," said Jack.
"True," said Lord Hastings. "I had forgotten. Shape your course due
north for two miles, Mr. Templeton; then come to the surface."
He turned to Frank and spoke again:
"We'll leave our card, at any rate," he said quietly. "You may prepare
for action, Mr. Chadwick!"
CHAPTER VII.
THE ATTACK.
An instant later every man aboard the D-17 was on the alert. Lord
Hastings stood at the periscope, which, immediately the submarine had
reached the desired place, would make visible to him the great German
battleships upon the surface of the water.
Frank and Jack stood to their posts, ready and eager for the word that
would send one of the steel engines of destruction speeding into the
hull of the enemy.
There was not a man aboard who did not realize that they were indeed in
a ticklish situation; for, besides the danger that always attended such
an undertaking, there was the additional danger now of encountering one
or more of the German under-water boats.
Nor was there a chance of a surprise attack. Lord Hastings was well
aware that the presence of a hostile submarine had been flashed to every
German battleship in the harbor.
Above, the sea was being swept with powerful searchlights, while below
the under-sea craft of the Germans were dashing hither and thither in a
vain endeavor to find some trace of the enemy who had so brazenly dared
to enter what the Germans believed an impenetrable base.
Lord Hastings now turned to Jack with a command:
"You may come to the surface, Mr. Templeton."
Jack repeated the command with alacrity; and when the D-17 had risen so
that her periscope barely protruded above the top of the water, she was
kept stationary.
"What do you see, sir?" asked Frank of Lord Hastings, who now peered
intently into the periscope.
"German battleship half a mile to port and another half a mile astern,"
was the reply. "The others are too far away for us, although they might
reach us with a shell if their lights should happen to pick us up. We'll
make for the fellow to port and trust to luck that we get near enough
without being spotted."
He gave the necessary directions to Frank, who had taken the wheel.
Fortune was with the D-17 this night, for the submarine approached
within less than a hundred and fifty yards of the German battleship
without being perceived. There, at a command from Lord Hastings, she
became stationary.
"No. 1 torpedo!" commanded Lord Hastings suddenly, and gave the range.
Jack touched a little button, and the signal board flashed red.
"Attention!" was the next command that glowed in letters of fire.
The British sailor at No. 1 torpedo stood ready to release his
instrument of destruction.
There was a slight pause. Then:
"Fire!"
Followed a slight metallic click as the engine of death sped on its way
over the water.
Contrary to the expectations of the others, Lord Hastings did not
immediately give the command to submerge. Instead, he stood perfectly
motionless, peering into the periscope. There was silence aboard the
D-17, broken finally by Frank, who could stand the suspense no longer:
"Did we hit her, sir?"
For answer, Lord Hastings stepped aside and motioned the lad to his
place at the periscope. Frank, turning the wheel over to a sailor,
sprang forward quickly. And here is what he saw:
A short distance to port, a huge German battleship was slowly sinking by
the head. Fully half a hundred great searchlights--the eyes of the many
other German ships of war--played upon the sinking vessel now, lighting
her up like day. Movements aboard the sinking vessel were plainly
visible to Frank.
Men rushed hither and thither in the greatest confusion, and while Frank
could hear no sounds there below the water, there was every indication
of shouts and cries of panic and of fright.
An officer rushed aft and sought to maintain some semblance of order
among the members of the crew who were seeking to get a small boat over
the side at that end of the ship. A German sailor struck him down with a
blow of his fist and returned to his place at the boat.
Men struggled frantically. The German officer picked himself up and drew
a revolver; then advanced again upon the sailors. One sprang forward,
but fell sprawling upon the deck. No sound came to Frank, but he knew
that the German officer had fired.
One, two, three others of the struggling sailors now fell before the
revolver of the infuriated German officer; the others gave back. Frank
saw the man gesticulating angrily; and the sailors fell to getting the
boat over in a more orderly manner, apparently more afraid of the
officer who confronted them with leveled revolver than they were of the
imminent danger of the ship going to the bottom.
Forward, aboard the German battleship also were signs of confusion.
There, too, officers had their hands full in attempting to maintain
discipline. Several times one of their number fired into the faces of
the crowd of sailors.
Suddenly the great German ship staggered visibly and a dull roar carried
to the ears of those aboard the D-17.
"Explosion," Frank explained to those behind him.
"Fire aboard must have reached her magazine," said Lord Hastings.
And indeed such was the case. When the great ship staggered there was a
terrible roar, louder than the loudest peal of thunder. Ensued a greater
panic than before aboard the German vessel.
No longer did men fight for the boats. No longer did they heed the cries
of their officers to stick to the ship and die like true German sailors.
Instead, they rushed for the rails and threw themselves into the sea in
scores. Several times officers rushed in between them, but they were
hurled aside. It was every man for himself now, and finally the officers
gave up the attempt to check the panic.
As the sailors continued to leap into the sea, the officers congregated
on the bridge, gathering about a tall figure, apparently the German
commander.
And at length, besides these officers, there was not a man to be seen
aboard the battleship. Then the commander raised his hand in a
commanding gesture. A dozen of the score of officers left him and threw
themselves into the sea after the sailors.
Another command from the German captain and others left his side, though
plainly more reluctantly. This continued until, besides the commander,
there were but two men left.
"His first officers, I suppose," Frank muttered to himself.
Again the German commander gesticulated angrily. The others argued back.
The commander stamped his foot. One of the officers laid a hand on his
arm. The commander shook it off.
"They want him to go along," said Frank, who had already explained the
situation to Lord Hastings and the others within hearing.
"They are wasting time," said Lord Hastings. "I know these German naval
commanders."
Frank peered across the water again.
Now both of the officers had hold of the commander and were seeking to
drag him toward the side of the ship. Apparently they held him firmly,
for Frank could see that he was trying hard to shake off their hands.
But he was held too securely.
Even from where he stood, Frank could see the commander shrug his
shoulders. Immediately the other officers released their hold. All moved
toward the side.
"You're wrong this time, sir," said Frank to Lord Hastings. "The
commander is going."
"I don't believe it," was the reply.
"Well, he is, sir. He----"
Frank broke off suddenly, for there were new developments aboard the
sinking battleship.
At the very side of the ship the commander hung back. The other officers
protested. The captain was adamant. Again the others sought to seize him
by the arms. But the commander had anticipated this action, and he
leaped lightly backward, at the same time presenting a brace of
revolvers. The others halted in their tracks.
Now the commander motioned the others over the side, gesticulating with
his weapons. The others shook their heads. The commander raised both
revolvers and pointed each at one of his officers. Still they shook
their heads.
"By Jove!" said Frank. "There are three of them going to stick now!"
"He shouldn't allow that," said Lord Hastings. "He is still the
commander of the vessel. He has the privilege of staying if he chooses,
but he should order the others off the ship."
"He has, sir, but they refuse to go."
"Then he should insist."
"He's even threatened them, sir. But they won't go."
"Well, it's their funeral," said Lord Hastings briefly.
The German commander had now given up his attempt to force the others to
leave the ship; and the three men stood quietly upon the bridge,
awaiting the end.
And it came suddenly.
The German battleship suddenly seemed to leap clear of the water--the
result of a second explosion, the sound of which was again barely
audible to those aboard the D-17--and came down in twain. The afterpart
of the vessel disappeared beneath the water almost immediately, but in
some unaccountable manner, the portion forward still floated. It was
upon this that the three officers stood.
Each man stood erect, his face tilted a trifle toward the sky. The huge
flashlights from the other vessels in the harbor lighted them up
plainly, and Frank could see that each of the three was smiling.
Slowly now what was left of the battleship sank, the center of a broad
circle of brilliancy. Down, down. Now the water had reached almost to
the bridge. Now the officers stood in water up to their knees. Then the
wreck dived.
Frank relinquished his place at the periscope to Lord Hastings,
remarking:
"Well, she's gone; and three brave men with her."
There was no reply to this remark.
Suddenly the water close to the D-17 splashed violently. Lord Hastings
looked about sharply. Again the water was kicked up, this time on the
starboard how.
"They've spotted us," said the commander of the D-17. "Every ship in the
fleet is bearing down on us. Submerge to five fathoms, Mr. Templeton."
Jack repeated the command and the D-17 dived.
"Now what, sir?" asked Frank.
"It's too risky to tackle any more of them," was the reply. "We'll make
for the Kiel Canal."
"The Kiel Canal?"
"Yes; we are headed for the Baltic."
"But----" began Frank.
"You will do well to remember," said Lord Hastings, "that sometimes I
keep my plans to myself."
CHAPTER VIII.
IN THE BALTIC.
"Great Scott! What was that?"
It was Frank who spoke. He picked himself up from where he had been
thrown by a violent shock and rubbed his head ruefully, glancing at Lord
Hastings quietly the while.
Lord Hastings also had been hurled against the side of his cabin, as had
Jack, who also was now regaining his feet.
Lord Hastings' reply was brief, and it was not an answer to Frank's
question.
"Submerge quickly, Mr. Templeton!" he ordered.
Jack gave the command.
Lord Hastings stepped to the tube that connected with the engine room. A
voice came back to him.
"Hello?" it said.
"Any damage to the engines, Jarvis?" asked Lord Hastings.
"None, sir," was the reply.
"Anybody hurt?"
"No one but me. Head bruised a bit, sir, by being thrown against the
boiler. Nothing serious, sir."
"All right."
Lord Hastings stepped from the tube.
"Now," he said to Frank, "I'll answer your question. While I can't say
for sure, my guess would be that, in rising, we came up under an ice
floe or an iceberg. That would account for the shock."
"By Jove!" Jack ejaculated. "I hadn't thought of such a thing."
"Nor had I," said Lord Hastings, "but I should have thought of it. At
this time of year it is no uncommon thing for large icebergs to be
floating about in the Baltic. I am sure that is what is wrong."
"Then what shall we do, sir?"
"Well, we'll have to run on a ways. When we are from beneath the berg,
we shall try again to get to the surface."
He gave the signal for ten knots ahead.
The D-17 had passed through the Kiel Canal without difficulty, in spite
of the German belief that such a feat was impossible; and this German
belief persisted in spite of the fact that Lord Hastings and his two
young officers had performed such a feat once before--and the Germans
were aware of it. Apparently, however, the enemy was confident a second
attempt would never be made.
It was a long time ago now that the perilous trip had been made, but all
three remembered it well. They had spoken of it often as the submarine
made its way along slowly, a keen lookout being kept forward for mines
or other obstructions.
Half an hour later Lord Hastings decided that the D-17 must have passed
from under the iceberg, or whatever it was that had barred the vessel's
attempt to come to the surface.
"We'll try it again, now," he said briefly.
In response to his commands the pumps began to work very slowly, for
Lord Hastings had no mind to crash into an obstruction with the same
force as before.
"The vessel might stand it and it might not," he explained as his reason
for his caution. "There is no need testing the strength of our shell
unless absolutely necessary."
"Don't you think she could force her way through, sir?" asked Jack.
"It all depends," was his commander's rejoinder. "It depends upon the
thickness of the ice above."
The D-17 rose gradually; then, with a slight grating sound, she paused
suddenly.
"Bumped it again," said Frank.
Lord Hastings nodded.
"Must be quite an iceberg," was Jack's comment.
"Unless the sea is frozen over solidly for a considerable distance,"
supplemented Lord Hastings.
"But that could hardly be," protested Frank.
"Oh, yes, it could. It has happened more than once; and for that reason
it may possibly happen--or have happened--again."
"Then what is our next move, sir?" asked Jack.
"We'll proceed under water a ways and then try again. If we don't come
up next time, we'll try and force our way to the surface. We've got to
get up for a look around, and the sooner the better. The ice is likely
to grow thicker with each succeeding minute."
Again the D-17 proceeded under water for perhaps half an hour and then
Lord Hastings announced his intention of trying to rise.
The result this time was the same. After ascending several fathoms, the
submarine encountered ice and stopped.
"Well, there is no help for it," said Lord Hastings. "We'll have to try
and break through. Submerge to ten fathoms, Mr. Templeton."
Jack repeated the command and the D-17 dived deeper. At the proper
depth, the vessel's course was checked. Then Lord Hastings ordered that
the craft be brought to the surface with as much force as possible.
The water was sent from the tanks with a rush and the D-17 seemed to
leap upward. A few moments later there was a violent shock and all
aboard were thrown from their feet. The submarine had failed to break
through.
"Again!" cried Lord Hastings and gave the signal to submerge.
A second attempt met with no better result and Lord Hastings immediately
commanded a third trial.
"We'll have to get through now or we'll probably drown," he said
quietly. "I am afraid we have strained our seams. We'll need an
overhauling immediately we put into Petrograd--if we are fortunate
enough to get there."
"And what do you suppose has happened to our periscope?" demanded Frank.
"Oh, that has been smashed to bits before now," said Lord Hastings
quietly. "However, we can rig up another one if it is necessary before
we get to port."
"All ready for the next trial, sir," Jack put in at this juncture. "We
are down five fathoms."
"All right. Let her go," replied his commander.
This time the D-17 rose even more swiftly than before. Again there was a
violent shock, followed by a crashing sound; and then the submarine
floated clear.
"Hoorah! We're up, sir," shouted Frank.
"Don't crow too soon," was the reply. "We may be up, but there is no
telling yet what condition we are in. We'll go on deck."
Lord Hastings led the way and the two lads followed closely behind him.
Outside a strange sight met their gaze. To the north, to the south and
to the east and west, as far as the eye could reach, there was nothing
but ice. True, it was broken in places, but it was none the less ice.
The D-17 was hemmed in closely on all sides.
Jack expressed the sentiments of the others with a long whistle.
"Now, what do you think of that?" he said.
"I think it's pretty tough, if you are talking to me," was Frank's
reply. "We can't push through that."
"No; and we can't stay here and wait for it to thaw," declared his chum.
"Well, then what?" asked Frank.
Lord Hastings, who had not spoken up to this moment, now broke his
silence and said:
"Never give up the ship, boys. While there's life, there's hope."
"And have you a plan of some kind, sir?" asked Jack eagerly.
"Well, I have something that might be called a plan. If you look closely
you will see that a hundred yards ahead there, there is what appears to
be a lane--where the ice is broken. Do you see it?"
"Yes, sir," replied both lads in a single voice. "But the ice between
the D-17 and that spot is solid."
"So it is. What we shall do is to dive, shape our course for that
particular point and try to come to the surface there."
"And what good will that do, sir?" demanded Frank. "The chances are that
the ice beyond that point is just as thick as it is here."
"We'll find that out when we get there," said Lord Hastings. "Let's go
below."
They did so. The conning tower was immediately sealed, and the submarine
submerged to a depth necessary to avoid any points of ice that might be
likely to protrude beneath the water.
Lord Hastings had gauged the distance accurately, and when he again gave
the command to come to the surface, the D-17 rose gently, pushing the
loosely formed ice to both sides as her nose appeared from the deep.
Lord Hastings and his two young officers immediately went on deck again.
"By Jove!" said Frank after a quick glance around. "The ice doesn't seem
to be so thick dead ahead."
"You see," said Lord Hastings with a smile, "a little perseverance will
go a long ways sometimes. Now, according to your reasoning awhile back,
there was really no use in trying to reach this spot. But now that we
are here you see still further hope. Remember that there is always a
fighting chance, no matter how great the odds against you."
"I'll remember, sir," replied Frank.
"I hope you will. Now we'll try our luck at forcing a passage through
the ice."
"In what way, sir?" asked Jack.
Lord Hastings' next words were explanation enough.
"Full speed ahead!" he ordered.
In response to the command, the D-17 dashed straight at the ice ahead.
Her sharp, steel nose plowed into it with violence, and the ice, thick
though it was, parted and the D-17 edged through as swiftly as could be
expected.
"By Jove! I didn't think she'd do it, sir," Jack exclaimed.
Lord Hastings smiled a bit.
"I am not sure that she can keep it up without straining something," he
said. "But it is better to be on the move than lying still. The ice
won't part for us of its own free will, that's sure."
Still the D-17 plowed slowly along; and then, perhaps half a mile from
the starting point, she stopped.
"Back her and try again," was Lord Hastings' command.
This was done and again the vessel made headway. This process was
repeated time after time; and some five hours later, those upon deck
made out clear water beyond, though there was a considerable expanse of
ice to penetrate.
Undaunted, Lord Hastings continued to force the D-17 against the
apparently impenetrable barrier; and at last the D-17 broke clear.
Lord Hastings gave a sigh of relief.
"Now for Petrograd at full speed," he said. "We'll have a look over the
ship as we go along. There is no need stopping to do it here. Every
minute may be precious. Take the wheel, Mr. Chadwick, while I make a
tour of inspection."
Frank did so, and Lord Hastings turned to Jack with this command:
"Full speed ahead, Mr. Templeton!"
CHAPTER IX.
ASHORE.
In spite of the fact that, upon investigation, Lord Hastings found the
D-17 leaking in several places, serious trouble in the engine room and
other minor wounds suffered in her battle with the ice, the submarine
made Petrograd safely and under her own steam.
It was broad daylight of the following day when the vessel sighted land.
At the same time a Russian man-o'-war, sighting the D-17, immediately
cleared for action and gave a signal for the submarine to heave-to. Lord
Hastings obeyed and a launch put over the side and came toward the D-17.
A few moments later Lord Hastings and a Russian officer were closeted in
the former's cabin aboard the submarine. When they emerged, the D-17
proceeded.
Several hours later found Lord Hastings, Frank and Jack ashore, the D-17
having been turned over to the Russian naval authorities for repair. It
was found that it would be necessary to put the craft in dry dock and
this meant that several weeks must elapse before the submarine could be
put in commission again.
"And what are we going to do all that time, I'd like to know?" said
Frank, plainly disappointed.
"Well, we might look about Petrograd a bit," said Jack with a faint
smile.
"Hold on there," said Lord Hastings. "I intend keeping an eye on you
fellows this time. You may remember the trouble you had on your last
trip here. Nothing more like that if I can help it."
"I am afraid we won't have much of a time this trip," said Frank.
"You are afraid you won't, eh?" repeated Lord Hastings. "Well, I'm in
hopes you won't, and neither will you if there is anything I can do to
prevent it. To tell the truth, I am half way inclined to have you both
locked up for safe keeping, until the time comes for us to sail."
"Oh, we'll be good, sir," said Frank.
"You will, you may be sure of that," returned Lord Hastings. "If you're
not, you may take my word that I will have something done with you."
"And now, sir," said Jack, "will you not tell us something of the nature
of the reason for this sudden trip to Russia?"
"You'll learn soon enough," was the reply. "I don't suppose you would
have any objections to paying your respects to the Czar?"
"Not the slightest, sir," said Frank with a smile. "I remember once when
Jack paid his respects in a manner he did not wish."
"Yes; I remember that, too," agreed his chum.
"I have no doubt that the Czar will be glad to see you again," said Lord
Hastings. "He will remember he probably owes his life to you, Jack."
Jack flushed.
"I hope you will not remind him of it, sir," he replied.
"I don't believe that will be necessary," declared Lord Hastings.
Nor was it, as events transpired; and it was in this audience of the
Czar that the boys learned the reason for their trip to Russia.
The Czar received Lord Hastings and his officers the moment their names
were presented. When the three entered his presence, he arose quickly
and came forward with extended hand.
"Why, my lord," he exclaimed, "I had hardly expected to see you again so
soon." He turned to the two lads. "And these," he added, "are your two
young officers who were with you before. Ah, I remember. It is to them I
owe my life."
He extended a hand to each and both lads flushed. Jack, the subject of a
monarch himself, dropped to one knee; but Frank, who recognized no
monarch, bowed low, and remained on his feet. The Czar signalled Jack to
rise and then turned to Lord Hastings.
"Am I to consider this just a friendly call, or have you anything to
impart to me?" he asked.
"Both, your Majesty," replied Lord Hastings gravely. "I may as well come
to the point of my mission at once."
"Do," said the Czar briefly.
"Very well. What I have to say is this: In your service--and in high
standing and authority--is a man who is a traitor--a man who has sold
out to our common foe, the Germans."
"So?" said the Czar, apparently no whit surprised. "His name, if you
please."
"His name," said Lord Hastings with a faint smile, "will surprise you. I
fear you will find it hard to believe; and had I not the proof of the
man's duplicity, I should not have the courage to mention the man."
Evidently Lord Hastings' words made an impression upon the Czar. He
stirred uneasily.
"Come, come," he said. "The man's name. Out with it, my Lord."
"His name," said Lord Hastings very gravely, "is Count Stephan
Blowinski!"
"What!" roared the Czar, leaping from his seat. "Count Blowinski! The
chief of the Russian secret police! Impossible, Lord Hastings. I would
stake my life and throne upon his integrity, my lord."
"Then you would lose both, sire," said Lord Hastings gravely.
"But it cannot be!" protested the Czar of all the Russias. "Count
Blowinski has been, almost, my right hand. He has served me well."
"It is none the less true that he is a traitor," replied Lord Hastings.
Realizing that Lord Hastings was in deadly earnest, the Czar became more
calm.
"You must be mistaken, my lord," he said quietly.
"Would that I were, your Majesty. But I am not. I have the proof here in
my pocket," and he tapped his breast.
"Then let me have it!" exclaimed the Czar. "Let me have it, man! I must
know the truth of this matter at once."
Quietly and without another word Lord Hastings unbuttoned his coat and
from his inside pocket took a small packet, which he placed in the
outstretched hand of the Czar. Then he sat back and eyed the Czar
keenly.
The Czar broke the tape that bound the package with nervous fingers,
shook out the papers as nervously and cast his eyes upon the words they
contained. For long minutes he pored over the several documents, his
brow becoming blacker and blacker; and at last he raised his head and
said:
"You are right, my lord. Nothing further than these papers are needed to
convince me of Count Blowinski's treachery."
Lord Hastings bowed quietly, and the Czar, again glancing at the papers,
became lost in his thoughts.
"So," he muttered to himself, "you are a traitor, eh? You, whom I have
treated like a brother and whom I have showered with honors. You would
betray me to the Germans. Well, you should know how we deal with
traitors." He turned to Lord Hastings. "I have to thank you, my lord,"
he said. "I shall deal with this traitor at once."
"Sire!" exclaimed Lord Hastings, "if I may be permitted to say a word."
"Speak," said the Czar briefly.
"Then, sire, I would suggest that you do not act hastily in this
matter."
"And why?" demanded the Russian ruler.
"Because, sire, the Count Blowinski undoubtedly has a strong following.
He will not be deposed so easily as you imagine. If you execute him
summarily, there is no telling what may result--revolution, anarchy--no
man can tell. Let the man convict himself in the eyes of the people--or
in his own eyes and put an end to himself."
For the space of several moments the Czar was silent, considering. When
he raised his eyes again, Lord Hastings knew that his better judgment
would prevail.
"You are right, my lord," said the Czar quietly. "Count Blowinski has
indeed a large following, though it is my own fault that he has. I have
enabled him to obtain it. Why, even now he is in Moscow attending to
details of a campaign I have planned that, should it be successful,
would be one of the greatest steps toward ending the war that has been
taken."
"And I have no doubt that he is attending to it--in his own way," said
Lord Hastings grimly.
"No doubt whatever," agreed the Czar with a faint smile. "But now what's
to be done?"
"The thing to do," said Lord Hastings, "is to catch him in an act of
treason; then expose him."
"Easily said," returned the Czar. "But how?"
"I may be able to help with an idea," said Lord Hastings, and continued:
"Why not set a man to watch him. Let this man come beneath his eye in
some peculiar manner, say, apparently as a German spy himself. Have him
arrested by the count's own men and then let a demand that he see the
count, reach the traitor's ears. Thinking that there has been some word
sent him, Blowinski will see the man. Then this man will invent a
plausible story, that he may ingratiate himself with the count. Such a
story should not be hard to concoct. The rest would be a question of
time only. Learning just when the count planned to take his final step,
the man could communicate with you and when the time for this step came,
you, knowing what he was about to do, would hold the whip hand."
"A clever idea," declared the Czar after some consideration, "if I could
but lay hands upon the man. He must be one who speaks German like a
native German and one whom the count could never, by any chance, have
seen before. If I could only find a man equal to such a task!"
"Or men, or boys, sire," said Frank boldly.
The Czar and Lord Hastings both whirled upon him.
"What is that?" demanded the Czar.
"I mean, sire," said Frank, flushing slightly, "that my chum here and I
would be only too glad to undertake such a mission. I am sure that we
come up to requirements."
"Impossible!" declared Lord Hastings.
But the Czar had been eyeing the two lads keenly.
"Not at all," he said in reply to Lord Hastings' remark. "Not at all, my
lord. If I can satisfy myself that these young fellows could do the
work, I would ask you for their services."
"Well, I am forced to say they could do the work possibly better than
any others," Lord Hastings grudgingly admitted. "In fact, I know it. But
I would hate to lose them."
"But you are not going to lose them," declared the Czar. "If they are as
smart as I think they are, they will come through with this thing
famously."
"Indeed we will, sire," declared Jack.
"Good," laughed the Czar. He turned again to Lord Hastings. "My lord,"
he said, "I crave your permission for the use of these two officers of
yours upon the mission you have suggested."
"I am loath to part with them, your Majesty," Lord Hastings replied.
"But for the cause?" inquired the Czar softly. "For the cause."
Lord Hastings bowed his head.
"For our cause," he replied, "I would do much. I cannot deny you, sire."
CHAPTER X.
COUNT BLOWINSKI.
"You are sure now that you know exactly what to do?" asked Czar Nicholas
of the two lads several hours later.
"Perfectly, your Majesty," said Frank with a bow.
"We have our instructions well memorized, sire," Jack agreed.
"Very well. Now if you will step into the next room you will find
clothing laid out for you. I have seen to all arrangements while you
were discussing details with Lord Hastings."
"And you say the papers that are to be found on us are concealed in the
lining of the coats, sir?" asked Jack.
"Yes; I had them prepared hurriedly, but they will pass muster. They are
identical; so, when the count finds them, he will believe, as I wish him
to believe, that they were sent in duplicate that he might be sure of
getting one if the other was caught."
"And we are not to know the contents, sire?"
"It is not necessary," was the reply. "You will shape your course
according to events as they transpire. First, you must get into the good
graces of the count."
"We'll try, sire," said Jack.
The two lads stepped into the next room, where, as the Czar had said,
two suits of clothing were laid out. The garments caused the lads no
little wonder that they could have been procured so readily. Of coarse
weave, they were, nevertheless, of unmistakable German pattern, when
examined closely. There was no hint of Russian manufacture about them.
Dressed and ready, they returned to where the Czar and Lord Hastings
awaited them.
"All ready, sire," said Jack.
The Czar nodded. Walking to a little cabinet at the far end of the room,
he returned with two wicked looking automatics. He extended one to each
lad.
"A present from my kingly cousin, Kaiser Wilhelm," he said. "May they
stand you in good stead. Now, you are sure that you understand the
situation perfectly?"
The lads nodded.
"Good, then. Now, I will not tell you how I shall arrange for you to be
picked up by Count Blowinski. You will know in due season. All you have
to do is to board the night express for Moscow. It is now dark and the
train will not leave for another hour. You have plenty of time, and
money for your tickets you will find in your pockets. When events have
shaped themselves so that you know there will be no chance of a slip,
you will let me know in some manner. Trust no agents. I leave the way to
you."
The Czar extended a hand to each lad.
"Good luck to you both," he said simply.
The lads bowed and then made their way from the palace, leaving Lord
Hastings behind, for it had been agreed that he should not be seen with
them. They had secured directions to the railroad station and once
outside the palace they turned their footsteps in that direction and
walked along slowly.
"This train doesn't reach Moscow until morning," said Frank, "so we
shall be able to get all the rest we need en route. I am curious to know
just how we are to fall in with the esteemed count."
"So am I," Jack agreed, "but I guess the Emperor of all the Russias has
a few strings he can pull without any one being the wiser. The thing
that troubles me is, will we be able to fool the count?"
"It's our business to see that we do," was Frank's reply. "By the way,
talking about the count, do you know that I think a whole lot of this
gun the Czar gave me? I wouldn't want to lose it."
"Think you could hit anything with it?" queried Jack with a smile.
"Well, I guess I wouldn't miss very far."
"I agree with you. Having seen you shoot a time or two, I am willing to
lay a small wager you will come pretty close to anything you aim at.
They are pretty weapons, and that's a fact."
"I am in hopes I don't have to use it," said Frank seriously, "but I can
tell by the feel of it that it is to be depended on. Yes, it's a pretty
handy pocket piece."
"Here we are at the station," said Jack at this juncture. "In the future
we'll do all our talking in German or French--French while we believe we
are among friends, and German at other times. English is dangerous."
Frank nodded his understanding.
"I'll get the tickets," he said.
He took from his pocket a roll of bills and extracted one he felt
sure--he couldn't tell positively for he knew almost nothing of Russian
money--was sufficient to pay for two tickets, and approaching the window
said "Two to Moscow" in French. The agent passed out the tickets and
Frank tendered the bill. He accepted what change was passed to him
without a word and inquired the way to the train. After some little
trouble they found themselves in a second-class compartment and settled
back in their seats as comfortably as possible.
"And here we shall stay until we get to Moscow," said Jack. "Then, if
something hasn't turned up, we'll go straight to the best hotel. We may
trust the Czar not to lose sight of us."
Frank nodded.
"Best plan, I guess," he agreed.
A short time later the train started. The two lads, much to their
relief, found they were to have no fellow travelers in their
compartment. They conversed in low tones until the conductor came for
their tickets, but once that worthy had taken his departure, Frank said:
"Well, it's a long ride, and not knowing what is in store for us at the
other end, I vote we try and catch forty winks."
"I'm with you," declared Jack.
They settled themselves comfortably and closed their eyes. Five minutes
later, as the train sped on in the darkness, they slept peacefully,
utterly oblivious of the danger they were in or of what the morrow might
bring forth.
How long they slept neither lad could tell, but it seemed to each that
he had hardly closed his eyes when he was awakened by loud voices
without. Both were awake instantly and as instantly each recognized the
fact that the train was at a standstill. Light streamed through the
window.
"Must be Moscow," muttered Jack.
"Right you are," Frank agreed. "But why all this fuss on the outside."
"I don't know why nor what," said Jack. "If they would only talk a white
man's language we might learn what it is all about."
"Or German," Frank agreed.
At this moment the door to their compartment was thrown rudely open and
a uniformed figure--that of a colonel of cavalry--appeared in the
doorway.
Jack drew himself up.
"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded in French. "Why do you force
your way into our compartment?"
"That," said the officer, also in French, "you will learn in good time.
You are under arrest."
"Arrest!" cried Frank. "And what for?"
"All in good time, all in good time," said the officer with a
deprecating gesture. "Out here with you."
"See here," protested Jack, "I wish you to understand that you are
talking to two French gentlemen, allies of Russia in this critical
stage, and I must insist that you be more choice in your words."
"So?" queried the Russian with an evil leer. "Just to put a stop to all
this foolishness, I may as well tell you that I know you for what you
are. You are both German spies."
"Spies?" echoed Frank. "I assure you, sir----"
"It's no use," declared the Russian. "You have been followed for days
now. We were warned of your approach and instructed to arrest you both
on sight. You will come with me now, without further talk."
Jack said a few words in an aside to Frank. Immediately the Russian
officer produced a pair of revolvers, with which he covered the two
lads.
"No foolishness," he said quietly. "I have a squad of my men out here.
Will you come out, or must I use force?"
"I assure you you are making a grave mistake," declared Jack, "but
rather than cause unpleasantness, we shall come with you until we are
able to prove our identities."
"You are sensible, sir," returned the officer quietly. "Alight, please."
Jack stepped from the compartment first and Frank directly behind him.
Outside, a squad of half-a-dozen men surrounded them and they were
marched away. They walked down several streets and turned in toward a
rather handsome appearing building. Here they were led before a figure
attired in the uniform of a Russian general.
This officer heard the report of his subordinate and then commanded:
"Relieve them of what weapons they may have."
An officer felt through their pockets and removed the revolvers so
recently given them by the Czar. Then the general ordered:
"Lock them up and see that they are kept safely."
Again the lads were marched down a long corridor, then down a flight of
long steps into inky blackness; thence along another corridor and
finally into a low and narrow cell. Here they were locked in and the
officer and his men withdrew.
"Nice place this," said Frank, after their captor had taken his
departure.
"Rather," agreed Jack dryly. "Doesn't look to me as though we were going
to get very far with this mission."
"Come now," said Frank, "you don't mean to tell me you don't see through
this?"
"See through what?" demanded Jack. "This darkness? Couldn't any one see
through it."
"Oh, no," said Frank. "I mean our arrest and imprisonment."
"Of course I see through it," said Jack. "We've been spotted and the
count has had us caught. Must be a leak in the Czar's palace some
place."
Frank laughed.
"I should say things are working out first rate," he said calmly.
"Oh, you would. Maybe you can explain it to me then."
"Easily. This is part of the Czar's plan. Now, if I am not greatly
mistaken, it won't be long before our friend, the count, shows up to see
whether we are really spies; and if he is convinced we are, he'll want
to hold a conversation with us."
"By Jove! I believe you're right," declared Jack. "In that event we must
make the count believe we are spies of the first water. I hope we don't
have long to wait."
They didn't.
Half an hour later they heard footsteps coming down the corridor. Their
jailer approached, followed by a huge stature of a man with a long
flowing black beard.
"Open the cell door," commanded the big man.
"Bet four cents that's the count," Frank whispered very gently.
CHAPTER XI.
THE COUNT EXPLAINS HIS PLANS.
The lad was right.
"Open that cell door," commanded the big man again.
The other made no reply, but a key grated in the lock. The big man
entered the cell, then turned upon the man who had unlocked the door.
"Leave us!" he commanded sternly. "Have no fear," he added hastily, as
he saw the man was about to protest. "I have my revolver here," and he
tapped his belt. "I can handle these two."
The man made no further objection, but departed.
The count whirled upon the two lads.
"So!" he exclaimed. "I have captured two German spies, eh?"
"Your Excellency," said Jack quietly, "I assure you we are not German
spies."
"O-ho!" laughed the big Russian. "They deny it. O-ho!"
Frank also deemed it best to keep up the pretense.
"I assure you, your Excellency," he said, "that you are mistaken in us.
We are French gentlemen."
Frank purposely threw a slight German accent into his voice and the big
Russian noticed it immediately.
"French! and with an accent like that?" he demanded. "Come! where are
the papers you carry?"
"Papers?" echoed Jack, in well simulated surprise.
"Yes, papers. I said papers and I mean papers," declared the count.
"Where are they?"
"Do you think we are fools, that we carry papers with us?" demanded Jack
somewhat angrily, it seemed to Count Blowinski.
This answer rather pleased the count, for it gave him the idea that he
had two shrewd young men before him. He lowered his voice suddenly.
"Come," he said. "It is all right. I am Count Blowinski. It is for me
the papers you carry are intended."
Jack glanced quickly about him and the move was not lost upon the count.
Still the lad seemed undecided and protested his innocence in vigorous
terms, in which Frank joined. Count Blowinski laughed softly.
"I like you two," he declared. "You are cautious, which is a trait to be
admired in these troublous times. But I assure you I am the man for whom
the papers are intended. Give them to me. I shall see that you are
released and I shall have use for you myself."
"If we could but be sure," said Jack, "then we could deliver our
message."
"It is verbal, you mean?" demanded the count.
"How else?" queried Frank.
"Good, then tell me."
"If you will prove to our satisfaction that you are really Count
Blowinski, we shall do so," said Jack. "I see it is useless to profess
ignorance any longer."
For answer the count stepped to the door of the cell and raised his
voice in a call for the jailer. The latter hurried forward.
"Tell these prisoners who I am," ordered the count.
"You are Count Blowinski, your Excellency," replied the man.
"Good," said the count. "Leave us again." The man retreated and again
the count turned to the two lads: "Are you satisfied now?" he asked.
"Perfectly, your Excellency," declared Frank.
He took off his coat, and ripped open the lining. Then he produced a
paper, which he passed to the count. Jack did likewise.
"They are in duplicate," said Jack. "In case one of us failed to get
through, the other, it was felt, would reach you safely."
Quickly Count Blowinski scanned the papers and then tore them into
little pieces and dropped the bits into his pocket.
"Now," he said sternly, "if you will tell me why you told me you carried
a verbal message?"
His words were a question and Frank replied quietly.
"So that, in the event you were not really Count Blowinski, you would
not know that we carried papers," he said.
"Good! Good!" cried the Russian. "You are shrewd. I shall be able to
make use of you. I suppose you know that the contents of these papers
put both of you at my disposal?"
"No, your Excellency, we had not been so informed."
"But it is true," declared the count. "And your courage and
resourcefulness is commended to me. Yes, I shall have use for you."
"We are at your service, your Excellency," said Jack.
The count moved toward the door.
"I shall have to leave you here for a time," he said. "It may be an
hour, it may be six. Things cannot be done in a minute without arousing
suspicion, in spite of my rank. However, I shall have you out as soon as
I possibly can, for I would converse with you further. Good-bye."
He passed out and again summoned the jailer, whom he ordered to relock
the door. This done, the two moved away.
"Well, he swallowed it," said Frank, after he was sure the count was out
of hearing.
"I should say he did," Jack agreed. "I didn't imagine it would be so
easy."
"Nor I; but we have the hardest part of the work still ahead of us."
"And we shall carry it to a successful conclusion," said Jack.
"Or know the reason why," added Frank.
It was well within the specified time that a jailer again approached the
cell and commanded the two lads to follow him.
"Where are you taking us?" demanded Jack.
"Count Blowinski desires your presence," replied the guard.
The lads followed without further questioning.
They were ushered into the count's presence in his own handsome
apartments. They were rather surprised when they found the count was not
alone, but their surprise was short lived, for after the guard had taken
his departure, Count Blowinski addressed them immediately.
"I have this moment signed your pardons," he said. "I have told the
military authorities, who are under my supervision, that I have positive
evidence you are not German spies. My word goes here yet--and will in
the days to come, when the German armies have occupied Moscow."
The count swept his arm about the room, taking in all the other figures
in a single comprehensive gesture.
"These," he said to the two lads, "are the men who are with me in this
undertaking. You may speak plainly before them."
The lads bowed to the circle of faces.
"Very well, your Excellency," said Jack quietly.
"By the way," said the count, "how am I to address you?"
Jack smiled slightly as he replied, indicating Frank.
"My companion here as Lieutenant Maurice Depree and myself as Lieutenant
Raoul Santon, of the French army."
"Good," said the count. "Good for our work here. But your real names?"
"Are not to be mentioned in Moscow," replied Frank simply.
"And why?" demanded the count with a sudden show of anger.
"Because it is commanded," returned Frank firmly.
For a moment it seemed that the count was about to make an angry retort,
but he checked himself and after a moment smiled.
"A command," he said, "is a command. It would be well if others obeyed
orders as well as you."
He then presented each lad in turn to the various men about him, and
Frank and Jack were surprised to learn that some men so high in the
Russian service were engaged in this gigantic German plot.
"The names of some," thought Frank to himself, "would startle the whole
world."
"And now," said the count, "perhaps you can throw a little light upon a
subject we have been trying to solve. First, of course, you know
something of what we are planning to do?"
"A trifle," said Jack.
"I shall explain. Our plan is to gather together, in Moscow first, such
a number of men who are dissatisfied with Russian rule, as to raise a
hand for the Kaiser. I may say without boasting that at this moment I
have the pledges of at least a hundred Russian noblemen to use their
influence and what power they have to join when the time is ripe. There
is dissension among the troops, particularly those who have been held
here and in Petrograd--St. Petersburg once more when German arms have
been victorious. Among high officers in the army we have found recruits,
as well as in the ranks. When the time comes we shall strike, and when
it does come I have enough men at my command to capture Moscow and hold
it.
"Now, perhaps you have heard that the Czar will visit Moscow next week?"
Frank nodded, and then he took a long chance.
"It was for that reason, so I am told," he said, "that we were sent here
at this time. I can now give you what verbal instructions I carry. I am
commanded to tell you that the time to strike is on the last day of the
Czar's visit to Moscow, after which, it is understood at home, he is
going to the front."
"Good! Good!" cried Count Blowinski. "It is as I told you, gentlemen,"
and he gazed at the others in the room. "Did I not tell you the time for
action had come? I said it when I first learned that two German
spies----" here he smiled--"had been captured. So the time is almost
here! Good!"
There were nods and low murmurs of approval from different parts of the
room. Count Blowinski swept the others with his eyes.
"The time has come for you to prove yourselves," he said sternly. "Let
each of you go your way now and report to me at this hour the day after
tomorrow. And remember, I am still the Czar's right hand. Should a
single man betray me, I shall still have the power to send him to
Siberia. Be warned."
He glared at the others, who now left the room rapidly. The count
signaled the two lads to remain with him.
"You gentlemen," he said after the others had gone, "shall remain as my
guests. The freedom of the town and the house is yours. By the Kaiser! I
am glad you have come. I was beginning to tire of waiting. Will you join
me in a glass of wine?"
Frank was about to refuse, but Jack stayed him with a look.
"With pleasure, your Excellency," the lad said quietly.
The Russian clapped his hands and a servant appeared. The count gave a
command in Russian and the man disappeared, only to reappear a few
moments later bearing a tray on which was wine and glasses. The count
filled the glasses, and as each stood with his glass raised the count
exclaimed:
"Confusion to Nicholas!"
As the count threw back his head and drained the glass, each lad was
able to dispose of his wine in a jardinière which stood nearby.
"Your Excellency," said Frank, "if you would be so kind as to put a room
at our disposal, we would rest for a brief while. Your Excellency may
never find it out, but a dungeon cell does not rest weary bones."
"To be sure," said the count with a laugh. "I had forgotten your recent
hardship."
He clapped his hands for his servants, then continued: "No, Count
Stephan Blowinski shall never repose in a dungeon cell!"
CHAPTER XII.
THE BOYS MAKE PROGRESS.
The two following days passed without incident. Frank and Jack remained
in the palatial home of Count Blowinski as honored guests. What excuse
the count had given his subordinates for releasing them and giving the
freedom of the house and of the city itself, the lads did not know; it
was sufficient that he had done so. They went and came without question.
It was on the evening of the third day--shortly before the supper
hour--that Jack, passing the door of the count's private office, caught
a word or two from within that caused him to prick up his ears. He
stopped and listened.
"To-night at eight, then," came the words in a voice he did not
recognize.
"To-night at eight," repeated Count Blowinski. "Be there without fail. I
expect a full attendance, for it is quite likely that plans of
importance will be discussed. You know the password?"
"Yes, your Excellency. 'The Czar' only spoken in German."
"Exactly; and the knock?"
"Five sharp taps, a loud tap and two short taps."
"Good. At eight then."
Jack flitted silently down the hall and turned into a room just as the
door to the count's quarters opened. The lad was afraid to take the risk
of trying to get a look at the count's visitor, for had he been
detected, he did not know what might happen. He made his way to the
quarters assigned him and Frank, where he sat down to await his chum's
return.
Seven o'clock came and Frank did not put in an appearance.
Seven-fifteen, and still no sign of him. Jack began to grow uneasy.
Seven-thirty, and he had not returned.
"Pshaw! I guess he can take care of himself," muttered Jack.
He donned his heavy cloak, picked up his hat and descended to the
street. There, in the shadow of the house, he took his stand. A few
moments later, Count Blowinski appeared in the doorway. A moment later
the count's large automobile drew up. The Russian descended the steps
and entered the car.
As the machine moved off, Jack rushed from his hiding place, and by a
sprint, caught hold of the rear of the car and pulled himself up behind.
The machine continued on its way for perhaps fifteen minutes. Jack kept
careful note of the direction, that he might find his way back safely.
Then the driver turned the car into a dark and narrow street and reduced
his speed. Jack dropped lightly to the ground and dashed to the shelter
of the dingy buildings that lined the walks. Muffled in his huge coat,
he knew he ran little risk of detection.
A short distance up the narrow street the car stopped and Count
Blowinski alighted. Immediately the auto turned and sped in the
direction from which it had come.
Jack slouched toward the count.
The latter took one look at the approaching figure, and then, apparently
satisfied, turned on his heel and walked rapidly up the street. Jack
followed a considerable distance behind but still close enough to make
sure he would not lose sight of the count.
Before a single story building, even more dingy looking than the rest,
the count paused. One swift glance he gave about him, and not perceiving
Jack some distance behind--as the lad had slunk close to the shelter of
the house, he disappeared down a flight of stairs into the basement.
Jack moved forward more rapidly now.
The lad had noticed that before Count Blowinski descended the stairway
he had settled his heavy fur cap more firmly upon his head, apparently
to conceal his features. Jack did likewise.
At the head of the steps--at the same point where the count had paused
momentarily--Jack also paused for a second. He thrust both hands into
the pockets of his great coat and made sure that his revolvers were
ready. One quick glance he cast about him and started; for he felt sure
that he had perceived a form lurking in the shadows some distance back.
But it was too late to hesitate now; so, drawing a long breath, Jack
descended the steps.
Below he expected to find a door, where it would be necessary to give
the knock he had heard mentioned in Count Blowinski's rooms earlier in
the evening; but there was no door, or if there were, it was standing
open. At any rate Jack did not see a door and he passed into the
darkness beyond.
It was inky black inside, and Jack walked forward slowly, one hand
touching the wall on the side as he advanced. Suddenly he brought up
against a solid wall. He felt along in the darkness and found that the
passage turned to the left. He continued along it.
Suddenly he stumbled. His foot had struck something. He leaned down to
investigate and discovered that the something was nothing more than a
flight of stairs. He mounted them as rapidly as the darkness would
permit.
At the top he came to another passageway, leading off to the right. Down
this he walked in the darkness for fifty paces and then brought up
against another solid substance. He stretched out his hands on each side
of him. There was no turn in the passageway. Apparently the obstruction
that barred his progress was a door.
Here was where it would be necessary to knock for admittance.
Jack did not hesitate. Five sharp taps he gave, followed by a single
loud tap, and then two sharp taps.
A moment later the door swung inward a trifle and a head showed itself.
"The word?" the man questioned in a deep voice.
"The Czar," replied Jack firmly in German.
"Enter," said the voice.
The door swung back farther.
Settling his cap firmly on his head, Jack once again felt of his
revolvers and stepped inside. Before him another long passageway
stretched out. Apparently the man who had opened the door at the lad's
knock was some distance from the rendezvous.
Jack asked no questions, but walked ahead.
Several more turns and another flight of stairs he traversed before
bringing up before another door. Here again he found it was necessary to
knock, but he ran the gauntlet safely and a few moments later found
himself inside, thinking to himself as he gazed upon the circle of men
who sat about the room:
"Certainly they are careful enough not to be discovered."
Within the room there were fully half a hundred men gathered about. The
room was only dimly lighted and it was next to impossible for Jack to
make out the features even of the man immediately next to him on either
side. In spite of this, however, the lad was careful to keep his coat
well up around his chin and his cap down over his ears. This attracted
no undue attention, however, for it seemed to be the purpose of every
man in the room to keep his identity hidden.
Apparently the meeting, or whatever it was, had not been called to order
yet, for the men were simply sitting or standing about quietly. They
seemed to be awaiting the arrival of some one.
And a few moments later the some one came.
A big man he was, taller and heavier than Count Blowinski himself, and
he walked into the room with the air of a man born to command. He passed
to the far end of the room, where he turned to face the others. Count
Blowinski approached and stood by his side. The faces of these two alone
were plainly visible.
A Russian was Count Blowinski, it could be told at first glance, but
Jack experienced a shock of surprise when he obtained his first clear
view of the other man. The latter was a German. There could be no
doubting his Teutonic features. Jack wondered how he could roam about
Moscow at large without being picked up by the Russian authorities.
Count Blowinski was the first to speak.
"Gentlemen," he said, "I have the pleasure to inform you that the time
to strike has come. To-morrow the Czar comes to Moscow. I shall expect
each one of you to do your duty. There is no need to discuss our plans.
Each man here knows the work that has been assigned to him. In my pocket
are all your names. The man who fails shall have me to reckon with and I
assure you that Siberia is an unpleasant country.
"The Czar comes to Moscow to-morrow only with his personal bodyguard. He
is relying upon me to furnish the men who shall protect him. I shall do
so, though in a way that possibly will surprise him. That is, I shall do
so with your assistance. If you are still with me, you will please say
'aye.'"
"Aye!" came in subdued voices from the other conspirators. Even Jack
joined in.
"We shall seize the Czar," continued the count, "as he addresses his
troops on the palace grounds. Aside from the Czar's personal bodyguard,
the troops will be mine, carefully selected by you. I shall expect them
to do their work.
"Herr von Louden here tells me that, half an hour after the time
appointed for the Czar to address my troops, a fleet of half a hundred
German airplanes, together with a score of Zeppelins, will appear over
the city. At the same moment, a German fleet, which has pushed through
the Baltic to the Gulf of Finland, will force an entrance and bombard
Petrograd. Further south, the allied Teutonic armies will begin a
gigantic offensive at almost the same moment. The Russian troops will be
forced back upon all sides. The people will cry for peace, and I, having
assumed my new role under the protection of his Majesty Wilhelm II of
Germany, shall give them peace. They will thank me, and you, gentlemen,
for bringing peace to our troubled country. That is all, except that
Herr von Louden is present to-night to vouch for the truth of my words
and to reassure you that the Emperor of Germany will keep his royal
word."
The German then spoke a few words, after which Count Blowinski said:
"Now, if there are no remarks, I shall declare this meeting adjourned."
There were no remarks. Apparently no man present had anything to say.
"But before you go, to begin your respective tasks," said the count, "I
shall ask each man present to pass before me and remove his hat, that I
may make sure there is no traitor nor spy among us to-night. I should
know the face of every man present and I should know whether he is
entitled to be here. You will please walk before me on your way out."
"Great Scott!" muttered Jack to himself. "I'm in for it now. I am sure
to be recognized and the count will hardly accept any explanation I may
make. Worse, if discovered, I shall be unable to give the warning and
the plot will succeed."
The lad's lips set grimly.
"There is always a fighting chance," he told himself quietly,
remembering the remark Lord Hastings had so recently made to Frank.
"Well, they'll know I have been here before I go down."
He thrust his hands into his pockets and grasped a revolver securely
with each. Then he followed the line of men who were passing before
Count Blowinski.
The single light in the room was right above the count's head and it
fell squarely upon each man's head as he passed before the count. Behind
Jack came other men.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE FIGHT IN THE PASSAGE.
A form pressed Jack closely from behind.
"Careful!" said a low voice that the lad recognized with a start.
Jack half wheeled and muttered:
"Frank! What----"
"Sh-h-h," was Frank's response, for it was really he, and added quickly:
"When the light goes out, duck and make for the door. I'll be behind
you."
Jack said nothing, but awaited developments as he moved still nearer
Count Blowinski. He held himself tense, ready for anything that might
transpire.
Frank held his right hand carelessly in his pocket as he moved slowly
forward behind Jack. The long line of men were passing through the door,
but there were still many more behind.
A close observer now would have seen the right side of Frank's great
coat rise slowly. The hand within was pulling it up. Suddenly it flashed
up still more suddenly and there came a sharp report. There was a sound
of crashing glass and the room was immediately plunged into darkness.
Through his overcoat, Frank had shot out the light!
At the moment he had pressed the trigger Frank had reached forth his
left hand and clasped Jack by the arm. Then he leaped in the direction
of the door dragging Jack after him.
"Quick!" he cried.
For a moment after the single shot, there was a deathly stillness in the
room and in that moment Frank and Jack almost reached the door. Almost
but not quite. At a far end of the room a match flared up. Frank, who
had now drawn his revolver from his pocket, raised it quickly and fired
again. The match went out.
But this second shot had betrayed the lads' new position to the other
occupants of the room. A terrific roar went up and several revolvers
cracked sharply.
But Frank and Jack had been too quick for the others. Immediately Frank
had fired, both had dropped to the floor. Then rising they sailed into
the crowd of Russians before them with their hands, striking out right
and left.
It was in this kind of fighting that Jack showed up best. Though his
wits were no quicker than Frank's, his courage no greater, his blows
were heavier and his weight bore all before it.
Quicker than it takes to tell it he had cleared a passage to the door,
and reaching back, he grabbed Frank by the arm and pulled him through
after him. Unfortunately, the door closed the wrong way, so he could not
close it after him.
"Run!" he cried.
Frank needed no urging and darted after his chum, at the same time
crying out:
"Look out for the steps, Jack!"
But Jack did not need this warning. Always observant, he had measured
the distance from the steps to the door as he entered, and now he drew
in the darkness a scant three paces from the steps. He felt for them
with his foot.
"All right," he said to Frank, who had stopped when he collided with his
friend. "Fifteen steps down, then run to the left."
Frank followed instructions without question.
Suddenly Jack came into contact with a figure in the darkness. The lad
shoved him to one side and the two darted by. Other figures now blocked
the passage. They were the men who had passed out ahead of the lads.
There were hoarse cries of alarm and surprise; but unheeding these, the
two boys ran on. The advantage was theirs, for the Russians, although
realizing something was wrong, could not see them and did not know the
causes of all the trouble were so near.
Frank and Jack turned into the last passageway safely. And there it
became light.
Before the door at which stood the first guard was a light. The guard
himself, attracted by the sounds of commotion from behind, faced the
lads as they turned into the passage, a drawn revolver in his hand.
"Halt!" he cried.
Without pausing in his stride, Frank raised his own revolver and fired
around Jack's side. The Russian dropped.
Jack pulled up before the door.
"Pull it open!" cried Frank.
Jack laid hold of the knob and pulled. The door did not budge.
"Hurry!" cried Frank.
Came the sounds of running footsteps from behind, loud cries and shouts.
Again Jack wrenched at the knob, and it came away in his fingers. Jack
looked at the knob in dismay.
"It's broken," he cried.
At that moment the first Russian hove in sight. He saw the lads at the
same moment Frank perceived him. Both raised their revolvers
simultaneously, but Frank was the first to fire.
"Blow the lock off the door!" cried Frank. "I'll hold 'em back."
Jack placed the muzzle of his revolver to the lock and pulled the
trigger. Still the door would not open.
A second Russian came into sight in the rear. Again Frank fired with
excellent result.
"Open the door!" he cried to Jack.
"It won't open," Jack shouted back.
"Blow the lock off!"
"It didn't come off!"
"Try it again!"
Jack did so; and still the door refused to budge.
"Guess I don't hit it in the right place," he said quietly.
"Well, turn around here and do a little shooting," said Frank. "Here
they come. They'll try to rush us."
"We should be able to hold them," replied Jack cheerfully.
He fell to one knee, and holding one revolver in his left hand by his
side, rested his right elbow on his right knee.
Two Russians appeared around the corner at the same moment.
Crack! Crack!
Just two shots and the Russians toppled over. A second pair met the same
fate. Another man did not appear.
"You guard this end a moment and I'll have a try at the door," said
Frank.
Jack nodded.
Frank placed his revolver against the lock and fired. Immediately the
lad swung the door open.
"Fire a couple of shots to hold them back," he cried.
He suited the action to the word and Jack followed suit. Then both lads
sprang through the open door into the darkness. They ran down the narrow
hall as fast as their legs would carry them.
"Watch the steps!" cried Frank again.
Jack pulled up at the edge of the stairs safely and they descended them
rapidly. Footsteps from behind indicated that the Russians had
discovered their absence and were in full chase again.
Down the dark passageway ran the lads at full speed and at last came to
the outside. Quickly they climbed the few steps to the street and ran
down the thoroughfare.
"Here's where we shall have to hustle," shouted Frank. "They can spread
out here and pick us off. Double around the first corner."
They did so and with better fortune than they could possibly have hoped
for; for not a Russian emerged from the house while they were in sight.
"Around the next corner, and the next and the next," shouted Frank.
Jack obeyed; and after turning half-a-dozen corners the lads felt sure
they had shaken off their pursuers.
"We'll have to get away from here," said Frank as they slowed down.
"Count Blowinski, being in command, will have the police and military
authorities scouring the neighborhood. If we are picked up in this part
of town, we will be no better than if we had been caught in the house."
Turning the next corner, Jack came to a halt.
"Look!" he said and pointed.
Frank glanced in the direction indicated.
"Well," he said, "all I see is an automobile."
"Exactly," replied Jack, "and that is the thing that will get us to some
other part of the city quicker than our legs."
"Right you are," said Frank. "No time to lose."
They approached the car.
"Hello," said Frank suddenly, "it's occupied."
A figure of a man had appeared suddenly in the front seat.
"It'll soon be unoccupied," declared Jack.
Frank made no reply and they approached the machine.
Jack walked directly up to the man and spoke.
"You will oblige me by getting out of there," he said in German.
The man understood, but he had no mind to give up his property so
easily. He sought to temporize.
"This is my machine," he said. "By what right----"
"By the right of necessity," said Jack calmly. "He stretched forth a
long arm and grasped the man by the collar and lifted him to the ground.
"Stay there," he said. "All right, Frank. Hop in and start her off. I'll
keep an eye on this fellow until you are ready."
Frank leaped in the front seat quickly.
"Luck!" he exclaimed. "A self starter. I was afraid we would have to
crank her up. Leave him there and climb aboard."
Jack thrust the man from him.
"Stay away," he warned and leaped into the car.
But this Russian was no coward and he determined to fight for his
property. He produced a revolver.
"Stop and get out of there!" he commanded.
Jack looked at him and sighed.
"Poor fellow," he said. "I guess it must be done. All right," he called
to the man. "You've got the drop on us. We'll get out."
He suited the action to the word and got to the ground deliberately and
without haste. He looked at the Russian calmly, and the man lowered his
weapon. It was the moment for which Jack had been waiting, and his right
hand shot out with amazing speed and an aim that was true.
Struck squarely upon the point of the jaw, the Russian crumpled up on
the ground without a sound. Jack climbed back in the machine.
"All right, Frank," he said. "Let's go."
CHAPTER XIV.
FRANK TAKES A JOURNEY.
"Whew!"
Frank dropped his heavy coat on the bed and turned to Jack with a wry
smile. Jack smiled back at him.
"I recognize your feelings," he said. "Pretty close and no mistake."
"I should say. Wonder if our good friend the count has returned yet?"
"I don't imagine so. Guess he'll be up half the night seeking some trace
of the intruders who were so unkind as to disturb his meeting and shoot
up some of his henchmen."
"Hope he doesn't look here for them," remarked Frank. "I want to get
some sleep."
"To tell the truth, I wouldn't be surprised if he hunted us up the
moment he comes in," said Jack. "He'll want to tell us what is coming
off to-morrow, so that we may be on hand. Nice fellow, the count. Seems
to like us quite a bit."
"So he does," was Frank's rejoinder. "Can't say that I return the
feeling, however."
"No. Well, we'll turn in, anyhow; perhaps the count won't be so unkind
as to disturb us."
"Hold on now," said Frank. "There is something else to be decided on
before we can sleep."
"What's that?" demanded Jack.
"Well, we haven't communicated with the Czar yet, and he will arrive
here to-morrow. How are we going to warn him?"
"Say! That's not such an easy question, is it?"
"I guess not. The count and his crowd will meet the Czar at the station,
I suppose."
"Well, we can be there, too."
"Yes; but if we try to give the warning there it will spoil everything."
"Then what are we going to do?"
"That's the question. Let me think a bit and try and do a little
yourself."
The lads became silent, considering the situation. It was Frank who
finally broke the silence.
"I've got it!" he declared.
"Well, let's have it," returned Jack.
"All right. It's very simple, too. It's still early. There is a train to
Petrograd at midnight."
"So there is," said Jack. "But you forget that it won't get you there in
time to catch the Czar before he leaves Petrograd."
"Oh, no, I don't," said Frank. "I have been studying maps and things
since we have been here, and I have found a certain town that is a
railway division point. All trains stop there to change engines. I'll
get off there and wait for the Czar's train to come through."
"Hm-mm," said Jack. "That will be some time early in the morning. If the
Czar has arisen, all well and good. If not, you'll have a hard time
getting to him."
"Something must be left to chance," returned Frank quietly.
"So it must," agreed Jack. "Well, in lieu of a better plan, that will
have to do. Now will you go, or do you want me to go?"
"Seeing that it's my plan, I guess I'll go," said Frank.
"All right. Then you had better hurry. I'll tell the count that you have
disappeared. It wouldn't do for him to find you here to-night and not in
the morning."
"Right you are," agreed Frank. "Well, I hate to go, for, to tell the
truth the bed looks awfully inviting. However, it's got to be done."
He slipped into his overcoat quickly and extended a hand to Jack.
"Just in case anything happens," he said quietly.
Jack grasped the hand and squeezed it.
"I'll bide here quietly," he said. "I'll probably be at the station when
the royal train pulls in to-morrow. You'll probably come back with the
Czar. If you get a chance, tip me the wink."
"I won't get a chance," said Frank, "for I will keep very much out of
sight. If the count should see me in the Czar's retinue he would smell a
mouse immediately."
"By Jove! so he would," agreed Jack. "Well, I'll find you some place
when the excitement is over."
"Right. Now I'll have to hustle or the estimable count is likely to
return before I make my disappearance. I'll have considerable time to
kill at the station."
"I'll go to the door with you," said Jack.
"Better not. Just sit tight where you are." Frank moved toward the door.
"Well, so long," he said.
"Good-bye and good luck," said Jack.
"Thanks; the same to you. Your position is more ticklish than mine.
You'll have to explain my strange absence."
"Oh, I guess I can do that."
"So do I. Good-bye."
Frank closed the door behind him and hurried from the house.
Left alone, Jack immediately prepared for bed. There was nothing that he
could do now and he had determined to get what rest he could, for he
realized that the events of the morrow were likely to be very strenuous.
He put out the light and climbed into bed. Five minutes later he was
fast asleep.
How long he was asleep he did not know, but he was awakened by a
pounding at the door.
"Come in," he called sleepily, when he was fully awake.
Count Blowinski entered the room and switched on the light.
"Oh, in bed?" he said. He glanced at the lad and then added: "Where is
our friend Lieutenant--Lieutenant Depree?"
He smiled at the name.
"By Jove!" said Jack, sitting up in bed and looking around sleepily. "He
hasn't come in yet. Wonder what can have happened to him?"
"Oh, I guess he'll show up in the morning," was the count's reply. "He
is probably out looking about the town."
"Probably," agreed Jack, with a laugh. "However, he's old enough to look
out for himself. Did you want to see me about anything particular?"
"Why, yes. I wanted to tell you that the time for action has come."
"Good!" Jack exclaimed eagerly. "When?"
"To-morrow."
"To-morrow? You mean the Czar will be here to-morrow?"
"Yes; and if my plans do not miscarry I shall be master of Moscow before
the sun has set--and within the month Russia will have declared peace
with Germany."
"That is indeed good news," declared Jack. "But you are sure there is no
danger of your plans going wrong?"
"That," said the count, "is why I have stopped in your room to-night."
For a brief moment Jack's heart stood still and he thought to himself:
"Can he have discovered anything?" Aloud he said: "I shall be glad to do
anything in my power for the cause."
"I was sure of it," said the count, and Jack's fears fled. "Now the
situation is this: To-night we--myself and the men who are with me in
this undertaking--held a meeting, where I gave my instructions to
proceed with the coup to-day. Just after I declared the meeting
adjourned, I decided that I would have a look at the face of every man
present. They were passing before me when there was a shot and the light
went out. A fight followed. There were two spies in the meeting."
"You don't tell me!" exclaimed Jack. "And have you any idea how they
gained admittance?"
"Not the slightest."
"Well, it doesn't matter, I suppose," said Jack deprecatingly. "They are
dead now, aren't they?"
"No," said Count Blowinski slowly; "that is the trouble; they escaped."
"Escaped!" Jack repeated incredulously. "What! you allowed them to
escape?"
Count Blowinski grew somewhat angry.
"We didn't let them escape purposely, you may be sure of that," he
declared.
"Possibly not," admitted Jack, "but how many of you were there in the
room?"
"Well, enough to have taken them," returned the count, his face somewhat
red, "if that's what you are driving at. There were possibly fifty of
us."
"Fifty of you and you let two men escape?" ejaculated Jack. "Count, I
fear for the success of your plans."
"But this was unavoidable," protested the count, apparently thinking
much of Jack's good opinion. "They acted so suddenly and they had us at
a disadvantage."
Jack decided that he had wounded the count enough. So he said:
"I can see, count, that you were at some disadvantage. But now that
these men have escaped, are you not afraid that your plans may be
betrayed?"
"Not at all," was the reply. "I have taken all precautions. I have
ordered that no messages be accepted by telegraph companies; I have
thrown a cordon around the town through which no man could pass; I have
notified the railroads that no man without a passport signed by me be
allowed to leave the city."
"You have done well, count," declared Jack. "But your man may slip
through. Take me or my friend for example. We both carry passports
signed by yourself. Why not another?"
"Because, besides the passports held by yourselves, I have signed no
other."
"Then your plans are in no danger," said Jack briefly.
"Of course not. But the reason I have disturbed you to-night is that I
would give you the privilege of being on my staff when I go to meet the
Czar to-morrow."
"I shall be delighted, count, and I thank you for your thoughtfulness.
It will give me pleasure. But, by the way, count, supposing the Czar
comes in force?"
"Ah, but he will not."
"You cannot be positive on that score. He may send thousands of troops
ahead of his special train. How many men can you count on?"
"Enough, I believe. Say five thousand."
"Hardly enough to seize the Czar if he comes properly attended," said
Jack dryly.
"It is enough," protested the count. "It must be enough. I cannot fail
now. To do so would lose me favor with the German emperor, as you know.
And I should be discredited here. There would be nothing left for me in
Russia."
"Nor any other place, count," added Jack.
"No, nor any other place," said the count slowly.
He turned and left the room without another word.
CHAPTER XV.
THE CZAR IS WARNED.
When Frank left Jack he made all haste toward the railway station and
purchased a ticket for Klaw, the railway division point he had mentioned
to Jack. It still lacked an hour to midnight and Frank paced up and down
in the station. The train left at twelve sharp and Frank ascertained
that it would reach Klaw five hours later, barring accidents.
At fifteen minutes to twelve Frank took his seat in a first-class
compartment. Ten minutes later a guard approached and demanded to see
his passport. Frank showed it to him. The guard departed.
Soon the train pulled out and when it was well under way Frank composed
himself to sleep; nor did he awake until the train was on the outskirts
of Klaw.
The lad alighted the moment the train came to a stop and went
immediately to a hotel a short distance away. He did not wish to attract
attention by making inquiries concerning the Czar's train, so he idled
about the hotel, where he was fortunate enough to hear what he had
expected.
"The Czar's train, I understand, will pass through soon after seven
o'clock," he heard one man tell another.
It was all Frank wanted to know.
Fifteen minutes before seven Frank returned to the station, where he
loitered about. A large crowd had assembled, for word of the Emperor's
coming had traveled swiftly and the people had turned out to catch a
glimpse of "The white father."
It was a quarter after seven when the guards began pushing the crowd
back from the track. It was a sign that the royal train was near. Frank
edged his way through the crowd as well as he could without drawing
attention to himself. The lad realized that the surest way to spoil his
plans was to attract the attention of the guards. Should they see that
he was apparently too anxious to get close, they would immediately
arrest him and hustle him away.
"I'll have to wait until the train stops and then take a chance," he
told himself.
Came the sound of a shrill whistle from up the track. The Czar's special
was approaching and the crowd cheered.
Two minutes later the train came to a stop.
The guards and what troops had been summoned were now hard put to it to
keep the crowd back. Several times they charged the crowd with drawn
sabers, so close to the train did they push. And then suddenly the crowd
became silent.
The door to a compartment which bore the royal arms opened suddenly.
Instantly two footmen stepped forward, one to either side. Three men
alighted, all garbed in military costume. The last to alight was Czar
Nicholas and again there was a mighty roar from the crowd.
For several moments the cheering continued and then died away as the
Czar raised a hand. "The little white father" was going to address his
people and the people became silent, that they might lose no word.
Quietly they listened as their Emperor addressed them in a few well
chosen words; and how they cheered when he had concluded! Then the Czar
turned to his two companions and the three walked up and down the
platform.
Frank now found himself in the front line of the crowd; but armed guards
separated him from the Czar himself, and the lad knew that it would be
instant death should he attempt to approach the Russian Emperor. As they
passed in front of him, however, less than thirty yards away, Frank made
out that one of the men with the Czar was Lord Hastings.
He raised his voice and called in English: "Lord Hastings!"
The three figures stopped in their tracks and gazed quickly about.
Frank repeated the cry: "Lord Hastings!"
By this time guards had rushed toward Frank and seized him. Apparently
they believed he was attempting to create a disturbance, for they could
not understand his words.
This commotion attracted the eyes of the Czar and Lord Hastings, who
moved close to see what was going on. Lord Hastings uttered a sudden
exclamation of surprise and turned to the Czar.
"It is Frank Chadwick, my second officer," he exclaimed.
"So," said the Czar. "Then I shall have him brought here."
He gave a command to one of his officers and the latter approached the
spot where Frank was struggling in the grasp of half-a-dozen guards. The
officer thrust the men right and left, saying:
"I shall take command of this man. His Majesty desires to question him."
Immediately the guards fell back, as did the crowd, which had pushed
forward to see what was going on and to lend a hand if it became
necessary to quiet a man who had dared to raise his voice in the
presence of the Czar.
Frank breathed a sigh of relief as the Russian officer took charge of
him. He knew that he had been successful. He approached the Russian
Emperor and his own commander with a smile on his face.
Lord Hastings was about to speak, but the Czar forestalled him.
"So!" he exclaimed. "This is the manner in which you perform a mission
for the Emperor. I send you to Moscow and I find you in Klaw. How do you
account for that, sir?"
"I have come to warn you, your Majesty," said Frank quietly.
"Warn me? Warn me of what? I had expected word from you before this."
"We have known nothing definite before," was Frank's reply, "nor have we
had the opportunity of warning you. The plot against your Majesty has
come to a head and the coup is to be sprung to-day by Count Blowinski."
"So?" said the Czar again. "And what kind of a plot, pray?"
"You are to be seized by Count Blowinski's troops, your Majesty, as you
address them on the palace drill grounds."
"But what if I am surrounded by my own personal body guard, with twenty
thousand of my own troops within call?" asked the Czar.
"Then your Majesty will be perfectly safe," returned Frank quietly.
The Czar suddenly laughed aloud and turning to Lord Hastings slapped him
heartily on the back.
"Ha, my lord," he said. "Your young friend here feared that I would
venture into the lion's den without weapons. He has come to warn me."
"I have done the best I can, your Majesty," said Frank, with offended
dignity.
The Czar was quick to notice the change in the lad's tone and he at once
felt the reason.
"Come, my lad, I didn't mean to offend you," he exclaimed. "It is just
my way, as Lord Hastings here, who knows me well, will tell you. I am
deeply your debtor, and your friend's. By the way, where is he?"
"Still in the count's home, your Majesty. We figured it would be unwise
for both of us to leave."
"I see," said the Czar. "Long heads, as you Britishers would say, Lord
Hastings. But come, our train is waiting. We shall continue our journey
into the lair of my dear friend Count Blowinski."
The Czar laid a hand on Frank's shoulder and guided him toward the royal
carriage. At the door, he turned to the only officer who accompanied him
besides Lord Hastings.
"General Rushtriki," he said, "this young British officer and myself
have important matters to discuss. He will take your place in my
carriage."
"But, your Majesty," protested the astonished officer, "I--there----"
"Never mind, general," said the Czar. "I shall have my way in this; and
if there is no other place for you aboard this train, well, then I guess
you will have to remain here."
"I shall find another place, sire," returned the general, with ruffled
dignity.
He stalked majestically away and entered another compartment.
The Czar climbed back in his compartment and motioned Lord Hastings and
Frank to follow him.
"Now," he said, when he was comfortably seated and the train had resumed
its interrupted journey, "now you shall tell me all about yourself, what
you have been doing and what you have learned."
Frank plunged into the account of their adventures. When he told of
Jack's appearance in the den of the conspirators, the Czar was moved to
ask:
"And how did you find your way there?"
"Why, your Majesty," returned the lad, "I overheard a conversation in
one of the hotels where I chanced to stop; and as it was too late to
return and acquaint Jack with what I had learned, I took it upon myself
to follow the men."
"I see," smiled the Czar. "Then you were undoubtedly surprised to see
your friend there."
The conversation languished now; and soon the Czar fell asleep. Frank
took this opportunity of having a few words with Lord Hastings.
"Then the Czar will not trust himself entirely to the count's troops,
sir?" the lad asked.
"Indeed he will not," said Lord Hastings. "He wanted to add a thousand
men to his personal bodyguard and only consented to adding the thousands
upon my suggestion, backed up by his ministers."
"And there are really twenty thousand men coming, sir?"
"There are. Following this train, at ten-minute intervals, are twenty
more, each carrying a thousand men. They will not reach Moscow for an
hour after the royal train arrives. Then they will be disembarked
rapidly and marched to the palace, where the Czar is to rest before
addressing the count's troops. This, too, is my idea, for I figured that
if there were to be any break it would be at that moment. A man engaged
in treachery always plays to the spectacular. Then, too, if I were
wrong, it could make no difference if the troops were there."
"Then your plan is not to let the count know the Czar's troops have
arrived until the time for action comes, sir?"
"Exactly."
"Had I been figuring this thing out, I couldn't have done better
myself," said Frank modestly. "We seem to have planned just right, sir.
There is only one thing I am sorry for."
"And that?"
"That I shall have to remain behind while the Czar goes to the palace."
"And why?"
"Because, if the count saw me back with the Czar he would suspect."
"That's true," replied Lord Hastings.
"But, sir," said Frank, "if you will speak a word to his Majesty,
perhaps he will grant me permission to accompany the troops that
follow."
The answer for this question came from an unexpected source. The Czar
had opened his eyes in time to hear the lad's words, and replied:
"You shall have the permission."
Then he turned to Lord Hastings and added with a smile. "Look from the
window! You will see that we have arrived in the den of the lion. Behold
the city of Moscow, where my dear friend Count Blowinski awaits my
arrival with aching jaws."
CHAPTER XVI.
THE TRAP IS SPRUNG.
Troops, troops, troops. Hundreds, even thousands of men marching through
the streets of Moscow drew the eyes of the populace. From the railroad
station they emerged in squadrons and regiments; and the roads of all
lay in the same direction--toward the palace.
Czar Nicholas and his retinue had arrived two hours earlier and were
even now in the palace. It still lacked an hour of the time when the
Czar was to make his address from the palace steps to Count Blowinski's
own men, but these were gathered about the palace in dense masses.
The first regiment of troops to leave the railroad station and move
toward the palace attracted little attention, nor did the second; but as
the men continued to stream along word of their coming finally reached
the ear of Count Blowinski.
That worthy, at the moment in consultation with some of his
fellow-conspirators, among whom was Jack, became greatly excited when
the first word reached him.
"Can it be possible that the Czar has an inkling of our plans?" he
asked.
Jack took it upon himself to reply.
"It is hardly likely, count. I should judge that the presence of troops
here at this time has no peculiar significance. Rather, their presence
is probably part of a prearranged plan to have them go to the front.
Perhaps the Czar intends to go with them."
"It may be as you say," was the reply, "but my messenger informs me that
they are surrounding the palace, hemming my own men in, as though
purposely."
"It does look a bit odd," Jack agreed. "But if you are afraid to go
through with your plans now, count, why not postpone the coup?"
"It must be done now or never," replied the count decisively. "A delay
would prove fatal. If it comes to the worst, I shall abandon my plan of
seizing the Emperor and shoot him."
Jack gave a start. This was more than he had bargained for; and he
realized that if the count really determined to put this latter plan
into execution, there was no time to give the warning. The lad also
realized that, in the event the count did try to assassinate the Czar,
he, himself, was the only person who could hope to prevent it.
Jack determined, therefore, to stick close to Blowinski; and as he
accompanied the count and his staff to the palace grounds to meet the
Czar, he felt more certain at every step that the count's last plan was
the one to be feared.
In the large open space in front of the palace stood Blowinski's own
men; but even from where he stood, Jack could see the still more dense
bodies of the Czar's troops hemming in those of the count. The lad could
discern their attitude of hushed expectancy and he felt certain that
their officers had their commands.
"It's shoot or nothing," the lad told himself, and he followed the count
closely.
Now Count Blowinski approached the Czar and the latter extended a hand.
"Welcome, your Majesty," cried the count, and falling to his knee he
took the hand and pressed his lips to it.
"I am glad to see you, Count," replied Czar Nicholas. "A fine body of
men you have here."
"Thank you, sire! They are indeed a likely body of men and they would
have you say a few words to them."
The count now presented the others of his retinue to the Czar, and
followed his majesty to the top of the palace steps, as one befitting
his rank and station.
There, he turned and surveyed the crowd below--a host of uniformed
figures. He spoke a few words to them himself, and announced that the
Czar would address them.
Then the count fell back a trifle, as the Czar advanced.
Jack watched the big Russian closely, noting that Blowinski's hand
rested upon his belt, where was exposed the butt of a revolver. Jack's
hand rested in his coat pocket and his fingers gripped his own weapon
firmly.
"I wish Frank were here," he muttered. "I am not certain of my own aim."
Now the Czar began to speak and a hush fell over the vast assemblage.
"Soldiers!" said the Czar. "It gives me happiness to address you; and it
would give me ever more happiness, were it not for one thing."
Here the Czar paused and his gaze went to the troops farther back, his
own men, whom he knew could be trusted.
Jack saw the officers there exhorting their men to some sort of action
as the Czar continued: "Yes, it would give me greater happiness did I
not know that there are traitors among you--men who would betray me to
the enemy. I----"
What else the Czar might have said was lost in two sharp revolver
reports. For a moment thereafter there was a deathly silence; followed
by a tremendous uproar and the sharp crack, crack of rifles.
Jack, his eye ever keen, had been watching Count Blowinski like a hawk.
As the emperor spoke of traitors, the lad saw the count's form stiffen.
Then the big Russian suddenly whipped out his revolver and fired at the
Czar.
But Jack had acted just as promptly. As he saw the count's revolver leap
forth, the lad jerked out his own weapon. Hardly taking time to aim, but
breathing a fervent prayer, Jack pressed the trigger a moment before the
count's finger tightened on the trigger of his revolver.
There was not the space of a second between the two sharp reports, but
Jack's revolver spoke the fraction of a second before that of the count.
Count Blowinski staggered back. The bullet from Jack's revolver had
struck him in the shoulder, but his finger had already tightened on the
trigger, discharging his weapon. But his aim had been deflected by
Jack's bullet and the missile went wide of its mark.
Before he could fire again, had such been his intention, Jack had leaped
forward and his powerful fingers were clasped about the big Russian's
throat.
The force of Jack's spring had been so great that he bore the big man to
the floor. At the same time he cried to the Czar:
"Back inside, quick, your Majesty!"
But the lad need not have spoken; for at the sound of the first shot,
others of the Czar's personal retinue had seized their Emperor and borne
him forcibly away. Then the crack of rifles filled the air.
Under the command of their officers, trapped though they were, the
disloyal Russian troops turned to give battle to the loyal forces who
surrounded them on all sides.
So terrific, however, were the volleys poured in on them from beyond,
one after another, and so fast did they drop, that their resistance was
but momentary. Yet during the time that it took them to lay down their
arms and cry for quarter, fully a thousand of them were shot down.
Immediately thereafter, the commander of the loyal forces gave the
command to advance, and the men came forward at the double, thrusting to
right and left with their swords and long bayonets among the now unarmed
men.
Jack, having choked Count Blowinski into unconsciousness, had paused a
moment before going inside to watch the battle. Therefore, he was still
on the palace steps when a squad of loyal troops burst through the
disloyal forces and ascended the steps with a rush.
The officer in command saw Jack standing there almost alone, a revolver
still in his hand, and pointing toward the lad with his sword he
exclaimed:
"Seize him!"
Immediately rough hands were laid on Jack. In vain he struggled to free
himself and protested his innocence of any wrong. The grasp of his
captors only tightened. In spite of his struggles he was led down the
steps and in among the heart of the Russian troops.
Here he was turned over to another squad of men, with orders to take him
at once before General Burgoff.
Half an hour later, together with a number of Russian officers, the lad
found himself before the Russian commander. The latter looked them all
over carefully, then motioned to one of his men to have Jack taken out.
"He seems younger than the rest," he said. "Neither is he a Russian. I
will take up his case after I have disposed of the others."
Jack was taken from the general's quarters, but he had not long to wait.
At the end of another hour he was again led before the general. Besides
this officer and the man who commanded the squad in charge of Jack,
there was no one present.
General Burgoff leaned back in his chair and eyed Jack keenly.
"What is your name?" he demanded.
"Jack Templeton," replied Jack in English. "Lieutenant in the Royal
British navy, sir."
"What are you doing here, then?" demanded the general.
"I am here on a special mission by command of the Czar," replied the lad
quietly.
The Russian commander smiled into his long beard.
"A likely story," he replied.
"It is true, sir," replied Jack.
"What was the nature of this mission?" asked the general skeptically.
"My friend and I were sent here to expose Count Blowinski," returned
Jack. "How well we succeeded you may see by what has just happened."
Again the general smiled skeptically.
"I hope you don't expect me to believe any such story as that?" he
questioned.
"I do, sir, because it is the truth," was the lad's response.
"Well, I don't believe it. Of course, it is only natural that you would
have an excuse; all men do when they are caught. It is my belief that
you are one of the traitors."
"I assure you, sir----" began Jack.
The general rose to his feet abruptly.
"Enough!" he said sternly. "Your lies will gain you nothing. I shall
prescribe the same punishment for you as for the other traitors."
"But if you would only investigate my claim, sir," protested Jack.
"A waste of time," replied the general. "The Czar must not be troubled
with such matters."
"You are likely to be troubled when the Czar hears of this," returned
Jack quietly.
"What!" exclaimed General Burgoff. "You dare to threaten me?"
"I am making no threats, sir."
"Come, enough of this talking," said the general. "As I have said, your
punishment shall be the same as that of the other traitors."
"Death?" asked Jack quietly.
"Worse," was the general's response.
Jack was surprised. What could be worse than death, he asked himself.
The answer came in an instant and a chill struck his heart, as General
Burgoff said sternly:
"Siberia!"
CHAPTER XVII.
INTO SIBERIA.
If there is one country in the world where the wheel of modern progress
has failed to turn, that country is Siberia. True, there is a railroad,
or perhaps several railroads, that traverse and extend into the broad
expanse of uninhabited country; but they are few and far between. Except
in times of war, such as these, they are not much traveled.
The road to Siberia, in Jack's case, lay through Petrograd itself.
There, with perhaps fifty other prisoners securely bound, he was thrown
into an open freight car, bound eastward.
Muffled in his great coat, as he was, and with his heavy fur cap pulled
well down over his ears, the lad was nevertheless very cold; still he
was not in such imminent danger of freezing as were some of his
fellow-prisoners, who, not garbed so warmly when they were arrested,
shivered terribly in the frigid atmosphere.
In spite of his warm garments Jack's teeth chattered. Try as he would he
could not stop them; and when the train moved off, slowly at first, and
then faster and faster, it seemed that he could bear it no longer. His
hands and feet grew numb, he felt his eyes closing and then he knew no
more. Unconsciousness had come to his relief.
When Jack again opened his eyes it was because he felt some one kicking
the soles of his feet. He tried to move them, but the effort was vain.
He could barely feel the shock of the other's blows, but he realized
that he was expected to get up and he knew that it would be best to
obey, if possible.
Slowly the blood began to circulate through his legs and feet. They
pained him sharply at first, but gradually the pain subsided and at last
the lad, his hands still bound, struggled to his feet.
He took in his situation at a glance. The train had come to a stop, and
Jack let his eyes rove to the north, to the east and to the south and
west. Ahead was another freight car and behind another; but from the
sides all the lad could see was a broad expanse of snow, stretching far
into the distance. There was not a sign of a human habitation, although
the lad knew that ahead probably was a railroad station, or a shed that
marked a junction, or something.
Russian guards, big heavily bearded men, forced their way through the
struggling heaps of humanity in the car, stirring the half-frozen men
with the toes of their heavy boots. Some kicks brought groans, others
curses; but, in spite of this, the men at last managed to get slowly to
their feet.
Jack gazed at them curiously, forgetting for a moment his own desperate
plight. The majority were men of middle age. Some were older and some
few younger.
A groan at his feet attracted Jack's attention. There he saw a young
boy--he could not have been more than fifteen--lying upon the floor of
the car. The lad was small and delicate, half frozen, and it appeared
that he could not drag himself to his feet.
But the big guard who stood over him paid no attention to the lad's
pleadings to be let alone. Twice he stirred the prostrate form with the
toe of his boot as Jack looked on; then, drawing back his foot, he
kicked the boy heavily in the side.
The lad gave a subdued cry and rolled away. The guard moved after him
and would have repeated the kick, had Jack not taken a sudden step
forward, and in spite of the cords that bound his hands, placed himself
before the burly guard and his victim.
"Shame on you!" cried Jack.
Jack spoke in English. Evidently the Russian, while not understanding
the lad's words, guessed their import. For a brief moment he hesitated;
then, drawing back his huge fist, he struck Jack a heavy blow on the
right cheek.
Jack staggered, but did not fall. He stood his ground, still facing the
big Russian, but there was a dark scowl on the lad's face. Again the
Russian stepped forward and raised a hand.
But before the blow could fall, Jack stooped a trifle, and thrusting his
head in front of him, charged. The Russian was unable to leap back in
time to avoid Jack, and the lad's head struck him squarely in the pit of
the stomach. The guard doubled up and fell to the bottom of the car,
gasping for air.
There was a murmur of approval from the other prisoners in the car; but
this was soon silenced, for half a dozen other guards, wielding revolver
butts and long whips, sprang in among them, and laid about lustily. The
prisoners could not fight, for their hands were bound, and there was
nothing for them to do but to stand and receive the blows stolidly. But
there was anger in their eyes and Jack knew that it would go hard with
one of the guards should a prisoner get a hold upon him.
For himself, he bore up bravely under the biting lashes of the whip that
curled about his face and legs, leaving great red welts. Eight, nine,
ten times, a whip wrapped around him; then, apparently thinking the lad
had had enough, the guard who had attacked him desisted.
Jack, braced for still another blow, staggered forward as the man drew
back, and evidently believing that the lad was about to attack him, the
Russian quickly drew a revolver, reversed the butt and struck Jack over
the head. It was a hard blow and the lad fell forward on his face. Once,
twice, he tried to regain his feet. Then a wall of blackness descended
upon him again and he knew nothing more, while the Russian turned his
attention to the other prisoners.
When Jack returned to consciousness the first thing to call itself to
his attention was the warmth. His last remembrance was of cold. He tried
to think, but for the space of several moments he could not piece
together the tangled chain of events that revolved and revolved in his
mind.
At length, however, as he took additional note of the pleasing warmth
and realized that his feet were no longer numb; that his ears were not
frozen and that he could breathe without the sensation of snuffing ice.
He was able, piece by piece, to recall what had transpired.
"By Jove!" he said at last. "By rights, I should be lying in an open car
and freezing while some great brute of a Russian stood over me with a
whip. Wonder where on earth I am?"
He raised himself on one elbow and looked around, but he could see
nothing. The place in which he found himself was pitch dark. The lad
thought he could now catch the sound of other voices, and he called out:
"Anybody here?"
The lad spoke in English and there was no reply. He asked the same
question again, this time in French, and still there was no answer. A
third time he tried it, this time speaking in German. He drew an answer
at last.
"Yes; Boris Duttsky. Who are you?"
Jack introduced himself in German and in the darkness, and then added;
"Where are we?"
"Siberia," was the brief response.
"I know that," said Jack. "But where are we right now? And what makes it
so awfully dark in here?"
"We are in a dungeon," was the reply. "I recognize a dungeon by the
feeling, because I have been in a dungeon before. I believe I know who
you are. You are the English prisoner, are you not?"
"Yes," replied Jack.
"I thought so. I spotted you in the freight car when you knocked the
guard down. That's why you're here."
"And are we the only two in this place?"
"I guess so. I have heard no other voices."
"And you say I am here because I knocked the guard down?"
"Yes; they consider you a bad customer."
"And why are you here?"
"For the same reason. I followed your example in the car and butted a
guard under the chin. I wish I hadn't now. It's a bad business."
"Why? All they have done is lock us up where it is dark."
"Wait; in the morning they'll take us out and give us the lash."
"The lash?"
"Yes; probably lay a dozen strokes across our bare backs with their big
whips. After that they'll give us bread to eat and water to drink; and
that's probably all we'll get for a week."
Jack shuddered. Then he straightened himself up in the darkness.
"They had better not lay a whip on me," he said quietly.
The Russian laughed aloud.
"Why? What will you do?" he asked.
"I'll fight. I'll rush the man who strikes me, whether I'm bound or
not."
"That would be foolish. The punishment would only be redoubled. No; take
my advice, and grin and bear it."
"I don't know but what you're right," said Jack after some
consideration. "I'll take your advice, then, in part. I'll bear it, but
I won't promise to grin."
"Now that's the way I like to hear a man talk," declared the Russian.
"You are a man after my own heart. It will hurt, of course, but it won't
kill. Although," he added as an afterthought, "I don't know but it would
be well to kill a man at once, rather than to kill him by inches as they
do here in Siberia."
"You talk as though you knew something about it," said Jack.
"I do. I had a brother who was once imprisoned in Siberia, through a
mistake. He was later released by the personal order of the Czar; but in
the time he was here he endured much. He has told me many tales of the
cruelties of the guards and their officers."
"Well, all we can do is hope that we shall have a chance to escape,"
said Jack.
"No chance of that--without outside help," declared the Russian.
"Besides, if you were able to get away, where would you go? You are
miles from a railroad and you would perish of cold or of hunger before
you got far."
"The railroad can't be so very far," Jack protested. "It was only a few
hours ago that we were in a freight car."
"A few hours," ejaculated the Russian. "It has been all of twenty-four."
"Twenty-four," exclaimed Jack. "Do you mean I have been unconscious all
that time?"
"You must have been. And it was a blessing that you were. You saved
yourself a hard walk through the snow. You were carried on a sleigh
while the rest of us were forced to walk."
"Then there is no escape?"
"A man escaped once," returned the Russian grimly. "There was no
pursuit, for there was no place he could go without food, as he had
gone. He was found a month later in the snow. There wasn't much left of
him."
Jack shuddered.
"Not for me," he said aloud.
"No," continued the Russian, "there is no chance of escape; and for that
reason the prisoners are not even bound. No, without outside help, no
man ever escapes from Siberia."
"Then," said Jack quietly, "we must have outside help."
CHAPTER XVIII.
PRISON FRIENDS.
The conversation languished now; and a few moments later the deep
breathing of the Russian proclaimed that he was asleep. But there was no
more sleep for Jack; he had slept until he could sleep no more. For long
hours he lay there in his corner thinking.
"I've been in some queer and peculiar places," he told himself, "but
this is the limit; also, as this Russian says, it's not going to be an
easy job to get out of here."
In the darkness of the dungeon it was impossible to tell whether it was
day or night outside. Jack had lost all track of time. He felt in his
pockets. He had no matches and his watch and what money he had had were
gone.
"They've cleaned me out pretty well," he muttered.
Several hours later Jack heard the Russian stirring about again and came
to the conclusion that the man was awake. He hailed him.
"Yes, I'm awake," came the reply.
"Do you have any idea whether it is day or night?" asked Jack.
"Can't be daylight yet," was the reply. "They'll have us out of here as
soon as it is light."
"Well, I wish it would hurry and come then," said Jack. "I would like to
get out of here."
"So would I; but I'd rather lie here peacefully than to face what we
must face when we get out."
"You mean----"
"The lash," replied the Russian calmly.
Again Jack shuddered. The word had an ugly sound.
It seemed only a short time later when a hand was heard fumbling at the
lock of the door to the dungeon. Jack and the Russian got to their feet,
and then the lad realized that not even his feet were bound. He walked
up and down in the darkness several times, with hands outstretched that
he might not bump into a wall.
Now a streak of light pierced the darkness and Jack made out a door at
the far end of the dungeon. There came a hoarse hail, and although the
words were unintelligible to Jack, he supposed that they were a summons
to come out. He approached the door, the Russian behind him.
Outside the door Jack and the Russian were surrounded by a squad of
soldiers, fur clad. Then they were marched into the open. Here, for the
first time, Jack discovered that his great coat was missing. He had not
noticed the fact before, but the extreme cold now called it forcibly to
his attention. He shivered.
In spite of the cold, however, Jack glanced around eagerly as he was led
along. On several sides were large rock structures. Men went in and men
came out. All were heavily clad and were, apparently, soldiers.
A short distance farther on, however, they came upon a group of figures
who were not soldiers. These were prisoners, and they were not clad so
warmly as were their captors. Most of them shivered and quaked with the
cold. Jack, fresh from the warmth of the dungeon, eyed them pitifully.
Old men and young, girls and women there were in abundance; and upon
each countenance was the same expression--that of fright. They were
plainly subdued and cowed.
Straight toward this group Jack and the Russian were marched by their
guards. There they were halted and herded into line like a lot of sheep,
while their captors drew an armed circle about them. Directly there
approached a man taller and more handsomely garbed than the others. This
man Jack took to be the commander of the outpost. It transpired that he
was right, for the big man was General Surgoff, commander of this
particular prison camp.
The big officer eyed the prisoners closely; then he signaled one of his
soldiers. In response to the signal, the man hurried away, to return a
few moments later with two other stalwart fellows, each armed with great
black whips.
The general motioned to a man foremost among the group.
One of the guards thrust the man forward. He approached the general,
plainly cowed. The officer spoke a few words to him; then turned to the
men with the whips.
"Ten lashes!" he ordered.
The words were hardly out of his mouth when the first lash fell upon the
man's shoulders. He uttered a moan of pain, but he did not cry out.
Again and again the lash fell; until the ten blows had been delivered.
Then the prisoner stumbled back to his place.
Jack grew sick at the sight.
The next man summoned before the general was the Russian who had
occupied the dungeon with Jack. The man went forward quietly and with an
air that impressed the lad with its courageousness. Again there were a
few short words and the officer ordered:
"Ten lashes!"
The Russian made no move as the first whip descended across his
shoulders. He took the next blow unflinchingly and the others that
followed, and returned to his place without a word.
All this time Jack had been standing within a few feet of the place
where the whipping had taken place. He had stuck to the spot, for he
knew it would be unwise to show any sign of weakness or fear.
The next to face the general was a woman. Perhaps her age was thirty,
perhaps fifty. From her face, so care-worn and haggard, it was
impossible to tell. A few words the general held with her, too, then
turned to the men who wielded the whips.
"Five lashes!" he ordered quietly.
The woman uttered a piteous cry and fell on her knees, raising an
appealing hand to the general. She was in this position when the first
blow fell.
The arm of the second man was now raised and descended; but before the
lash could find its mark, Jack sprang suddenly forward and caught the
blow upon his left arm. With a cry of rage he leaped upon the man who
had wielded the whip and snatched it from his hand with a single
movement; then he leaped back and struck the man squarely across the
face.
The man staggered back.
The second whip-wielder rushed upon the lad, with his weapon raised.
This blow, too, Jack caught upon his arm. Before it could be repeated,
he had dealt the Russian a heavy blow across the face, and, following it
up quickly, snatched the whip from the man's hand.
Then, still furious, the lad wheeled upon the officer, who had stood by,
smiling the while. As Jack faced him, the officer, still with a smile on
his face, drew a revolver and pointed it squarely at him.
So great was his anger, however, that Jack either failed to see the
revolver pointed directly at him, or else he was too enraged to heed it.
Ignoring the weapon as though it had been no more than a toy pistol, he
leaped forward with a cry.
There was a flash and a sharp report and Jack felt something burn the
left side of his head; but the bullet did not stay him. Before the
officer could fire again, the lad was upon him, the whip in his right
hand held high above his head.
"Swish!"
It descended with all the power of Jack's good right arm.
The blow caught the general about the shoulders and he staggered back,
at the same time seeking to bring his revolver again into use.
But Jack was too quick for him. Again the heavy lash rose and fell and
yet again. Three times General Surgoff attempted to raise his revolver
and fire and each time he was unsuccessful.
As each blow fell the general cried aloud in pain and fear.
Suddenly, tiring of his attempts to get a shot at the lad, he turned and
fled.
Jack, with a grim smile on his face, ran after him.
"Swish!"
Again the lash wrapped itself around the officer's shoulders and he gave
a cry of pain.
"Swish!"
This time the lash caught him in the back of the head and entwined
itself about his face.
Another howl from General Surgoff.
Raising an arm in an attempt to shield his face, the general lost his
balance and fell to the ground. Leaning over him, Jack seized him with
his left arm and jerked him to his feet. Then, thrusting him off at
arm's length, he again brought the lash into play.
"Eight!" he counted aloud.
"Nine!"
"Ten!"
He threw the lash suddenly to the ground and turned to face the squad of
soldiers who came running up.
These men had been afraid to fire for fear of wounding their commander;
but now they laid rude hands on Jack and held him, as General Surgoff
arose slowly to his feet and felt his face and shoulders tenderly.
The officer turned an angry glare on Jack and he said very quietly:
"I should have you killed. But I won't. It would be too easy a death.
You shall have twenty lashes every morning and nothing but bread to eat
and water to drink for thirty days. Strip him, men!"
Jack's coat was quickly stripped from his shoulders. His vest was jerked
away and his shirt ripped off. Then, his back bare, he was pushed into
the center of the crowd of soldiers.
The general now summoned the two men who had first held the whips and
they seized their weapons eagerly, for each had felt the weight of
Jack's anger.
"Twenty lashes!" cried the general. "Ten from each of you!"
Jack braced himself to receive the first blow. It came a moment later
with a terrible whishing sound. The lash wrapped itself around his bare
shoulders and the pain of it was terrible.
But Jack made no outcry.
The second man delivered a hard blow, which also caught the lad about
the bare shoulders, only from the other side. The lad staggered a
trifle, but kept his feet with a visible effort.
A third and fourth blow came in rapid succession; and Jack staggered
first to the right and then to the left. It was almost more than flesh
and blood could stand.
The rawhides continued to fly with renewed vigor. Jack, who had at first
kept track of the strokes, had lost all count now. He was doing his best
to remain on his feet; and he kept his lips shut firmly to keep from
uttering a cry of pain.
With the fifteenth blow Jack was all but unconscious, but he was still
on his feet. At the seventeenth he reeled and all but fell. At the
nineteenth he stumbled, and with eyes closed, fell face forward on the
ground.
He did not feel the twentieth blow, for consciousness had left him.
The men who had plied the lashes, stepped back, tired out with their
exertions. But they eyed Jack with a certain degree of respect.
During the terrible ordeal, not a sound had escaped his lips.
CHAPTER XIX.
FRANK STARTS TO THE RESCUE.
After Count Blowinski's attempt on the life of the Czar had failed, it
was several hours before Frank and Lord Hastings found themselves in the
presence of the Russian Emperor. They had kept out of sight immediately
after the Czar's arrival in Moscow, for all feared that should the count
chance to see the lad, it would spoil everything. Therefore, when they
were summoned to the Czar's presence, it was to find Count Blowinski
there as well, though disarmed, nursing a wound in his shoulder and
guarded by a squad of troops.
"I have summoned you, my lord," said the Czar, "so that your officer
here, Mr. Chadwick may confront the count, and thus prove to him the
uselessness of further denials."
He signaled to Frank and the boy stepped forward. Approaching close to
Count Blowinski, Frank gazed at him quietly.
"Have you anything more to say, Count?" asked the Czar, with a cold
smile.
"Nothing," was the sullen response, "except this."
Before any one could realize what he was up to, the count leaped
forward, and, throwing his left arm around Frank's neck, struck him
heavily in the face three times.
In vain the lad struggled to release the grasp. The count's hold was
like a grip of iron.
The Russian troopers sprang forward at a word from their officer and
laid hold of the count, who struggled viciously and clung to Frank's
neck tenaciously.
But the grip of the soldiers told at last and the count was dragged
away, muttering fierce imprecations to himself.
"You see, my dear Count," said the Czar softly, "it is no use. You have
played right into my hands; and now that you have played, you must pay
the piper."
"I assure your Majesty----" began the count, straightening himself up
and maintaining an air of ruffled dignity.
"Tut, tut, Count!" protested the Czar, with a wave of his hand. "Why
deny what is so plainly apparent. You are guilty and I know it. Why, I
have had proof for days. I just laid this little trap to catch you as
you were about to strike. But, my dear Count, I assure you that after
this, your claws will not be sharp enough to scratch. What do you say,
Count, shall it be death or Siberia?"
"You do not leave me much choice," replied the count, having regained
his composure and facing the ruler calmly. "Let it be death."
"In that event," said the Czar, "it shall be Siberia."
"Your Majesty----" again began the count.
The Czar silenced him with a wave of his hand.
"Take him away," he commanded the officer in charge of the squad.
Struggling and kicking frantically, Count Blowinski was dragged from the
room.
"Now," said the Czar to Lord Hastings, "I can breathe easier. His very
presence had polluted the air. Come. We shall return to my suite."
He arose and the others followed him from the room.
Alone with the Czar, and Lord Hastings, Frank was moved to ask:
"And what do you suppose has become of Jack, sir?"
"By Jove! I don't know," said Lord Hastings. "He should have turned up
by this time."
"Well, he hasn't, sir," replied Frank quietly.
"No. Suppose you take a run over to your rooms and have a look for him,"
instructed Lord Hastings.
Frank disappeared, but returned a few moments later announcing that he
could find no trace of his chum.
"Strange!" said the Czar. "But wait. Perhaps he was wounded in the
fighting. I shall summon General Burgoff. By this time he will have a
list of the injured. He may know something of him."
The Czar immediately despatched an orderly for the general, but it was
half an hour later before the officer arrived. In that time Frank's
uneasiness had increased to a certainty that his chum was in danger of
some kind.
"General," said the Czar, when the officer stood before him, "I am
seeking information of a young Englishman, who was in the city when I
arrived."
"An Englishman?" repeated the general. "There may be many here, Sire."
"So there may," the Czar agreed, "but only one like the one I am
seeking. He has been living with the Count Blowinski for some days. I
had thought that he would be with the count. In fact, I saw him just
before the trouble occurred. He stood near the count on the palace
steps."
"Oh," said the general, "was he big and young?"
"Yes," said the Czar, "he was big and young."
"And you say, Sire, that he was in league with Count Blowinski?"
"Well, I didn't say so," returned the Czar, "but if you know anything of
the Englishman, tell me at once."
"I am sure he was in league with Count Blowinski," said the general. "If
the Englishman is the one to whom I refer, he is now on his way to
Siberia."
The Czar came to his feet with a jump.
"What's that?" he demanded, thinking he had not heard aright.
"I say he is on the way to Siberia, Sire," replied the general.
"And why is he on the way to Siberia, may I ask?" demanded the Czar, his
voice very calm.
"Because I ordered him sent there, Sire. I found him on the palace steps
flourishing a big revolver, and I had my men seize him. He offered me
some strange story for his presence there; but I knew he was lying. I
had him transported to Siberia along with a hundred other prisoners at
once." "Oh, you did," said the Czar. "By any chance, did this Englishman
tell you that he was engaged on a mission for me, General?"
"He did, Sire. But, of course, I didn't believe any such story as that."
"Of course not, General; as you say. But did you think of taking the
trouble to investigate his story?"
"Of course not, your Majesty. I knew you did not wish me to take up your
valuable time that way. Have I done anything wrong, Sire?"
"Nothing," said the Czar, "except to send to Siberia a British naval
officer, a youth, who, by risking his own life, has saved your country
and your Czar."
Now it was the general's turn to be astonished. He stepped back in
alarm.
"You mean he was telling the truth, Sire?"
"I do."
The general clasped and unclasped his hands nervously.
"And," the Czar continued, "unless he is back here within twenty-four
hours, you shall be relieved of your command, General."
The Czar spoke very softly, but the general could see that he was in
deadly earnest, and his face grew pale.
"I fear it is impossible, sire," he said at last. "I have instructed the
officer in command of the prisoners, to let no one approach them for any
reason whatsoever. Even a telegram would not catch them now, sire."
"Then, General, you are in a difficult situation," said the Czar
quietly. "And yet I will give you another chance. I shall relieve you of
your command temporarily and you shall go after this young Englishman
yourself. Bring him back to me safely. Here," and the Czar turned and
scribbled a few words on a piece of paper, after which he affixed his
seal, "this order, for the moment, appoints you commander-in-chief of
all the forces in Siberia. Bring this young Englishman back to me
safely, or suffer the consequences."
The general took the paper the Czar extended to him.
"It shall be done, sire," he said quietly.
"And," the Czar continued, "you will make careful inquiry. If the young
Englishman has been ill treated, you will seek out the man who is the
cause of this ill treatment, arrest him and bring him to me, be he who
he may. Yes, even if it be General Surgoff himself!"
Again the general bowed.
"Your Majesty," said Frank at this juncture.
The Czar eyed him in surprise and Lord Hastings disapprovingly. But
Frank was not abashed.
"Your Majesty," he said again.
"Well?" said the Czar.
"Can I not go with the general, sire?" he asked. "I would like to go to
Jack's aid as fast as possible. He will expect me. He would hunt me out,
no matter where I was."
The Czar looked at Lord Hastings.
"What do you think, my lord?" he asked.
Lord Hastings shrugged his shoulders.
"As you please, your Majesty," he replied. "I have no doubt Mr.
Templeton would be glad to see him. Neither have I any doubt that Mr.
Chadwick here might come in handy."
The Czar turned to General Burgoff.
"What do you think, general?" he asked.
"Well, sire, to tell the truth, I would rather not be bothered with
excess."
"In that case, general," said the Czar, with the suspicion of a twinkle
in his eye, "and as you have been somewhat lax in your own duties, I
shall allow the lad to accompany you. You will see that he is well
treated."
General Burgoff bowed low.
"It shall be done, sire," he said.
"Very well. Now, general, you will take with you from Petrograd enough
men to assure you that your orders will be obeyed, come what may. Do I
make myself clear?"
"Perfectly, your Majesty. I shall take sufficient men."
"And one thing more, general," said the Czar firmly. "Let me impress
upon you the utter necessity of being in the right hereafter, before you
take too much upon yourself. Men have been shot for less."
The general accepted this rebuke with a bow and a flush of the face.
"I shall obey, sire," he replied.
"Good. Now, make what haste you may. That is all."
The general saluted stiffly, motioned to Frank to follow him, turned on
his heel and stalked from the Czar's presence.
Frank stopped a brief moment for a word of farewell to Lord Hastings and
then expressed his thanks to the Czar.
"There, there!" said the latter with a laugh. "No thanks are necessary.
I am glad to give you a chance of seeing Siberia with an opportunity of
coming back. Run along now."
Frank hurried after General Burgoff. And as he moved quickly along he
muttered to himself:
"Poor old Jack! All alone away up there in Siberia. I'll bet he is
having a terrible time and looking for me. Well, I'll be there before
long, Jack, old boy!"
CHAPTER XX.
CRUELTY BECOMES UNBEARABLE.
"That's enough. I'll save the extra lashes until he is in a condition to
feel them. Take him back to his dungeon."
It was General Surgoff who spoke. He looked down upon the prostrate form
of Jack, who, shirt again stripped from his shoulders, had fallen
beneath the terrible blows of the lash in his second whipping.
It was at the tenth blow that Jack had fallen forward on his face,
unable to bear the pain any longer. General Surgoff decided that it was
useless to waste blows on an unconscious enemy, so he had called upon
his men to hold their hands. However, he had no intention of letting
Jack off, and in his memory he made a note of the fact that there were
additional blows coming to the lad.
The two men dropped their whips. One took Jack by the head and the other
by the feet and they carried him back to his dungeon. There they left
him, after first thrusting a pan of water and a small piece of bread
into the cell.
Jack was brought back to himself by something cool upon his head. He
stirred a bit and when at last he was able to sit up he became aware
that his head was supported on a man's knee, while his temple was being
bathed with cold water.
"How do you feel now?" demanded a voice, which Jack immediately
recognized as that of the big Russian who had been with him on the first
day he had been confined to the dungeon.
"Pretty weak," said Jack feebly. "I don't think I can undergo another
such ordeal."
"A man never knows how much he can stand until put to the test," said
the Russian, with a shrug of his shoulders that was imperceptible to
Jack in the darkness.
"But how do you come to be back in here?" demanded Jack. "You were not
here last night."
"No," said Boris. "But this morning, just after you had been so severely
punished, I could keep quiet no longer and expressed myself to General
Surgoff."
"With what result?" asked Jack.
Again the Russian shrugged, but Jack failed to see the gesture.
"The lash," he replied quietly. "Fifteen lashes; then the dungeon
again."
Jack now got to his feet, though with some difficulty, and leaned on the
Russian's arm.
"It's no use," he said, after pacing up and down the dark cell for some
moments. "A person is a fool to stay here and put up with this sort of
thing. Better death in the snow. To-morrow, when I am again led forth
for my lashing, I shall make a break for liberty."
"It is impossible," said Boris. "You would be shot down before you had
gone a dozen yards."
"That's where you are wrong," said Jack. "To General Surgoff, I am too
valuable to be killed offhand. He would keep me alive until he is tired
of seeing me suffer. After that, perhaps, he would order me shot; but
until then no. If I can get anything like a start, perhaps I can reach
one of the sleighs that always stand nearby. Then I can make a dash for
liberty."
"By the Czar!" exclaimed Boris; "and perhaps after all you can reach the
sleigh safely. I have a mind to go with you."
"You are the more likely to be shot down," said Jack. "The general, I
fear, would have no scruples in ordering your death."
"Nevertheless," said Boris grimly, "with your permission I shall try it.
Besides, if we do get away, two would be more handy than one."
"True," said Jack. "Now if we only had weapons."
"There may be a rifle or two left in the sleigh," said Boris hopefully.
"There may be," said Jack, "but we can't bank on that. There may not
be."
"Then we shall have to go without weapons," said Boris finally.
Jack was deep in thought.
"I'm still weak from my beatings," he said at last, "but, if I am
fortunate, I shall secure weapons for both of us. Not rifles, perhaps,
but revolvers at least."
"How?" demanded Boris excitedly.
Jack smiled to himself in the darkness.
"I don't know exactly," he replied quietly, "though I have half an idea.
Now we shall have to map out our plan of action."
"I'll let you do that," said Boris. "I am not much of a hand to figure;
but when it comes to a fight you can count on me."
"You look as though you could give a good account of yourself," said
Jack.
In the darkness he stretched forth his hand and felt Boris over
carefully. The muscles swelled beneath the lad's touch and Jack knew
that the Russian was indeed a powerful man.
"I'm no weakling," said the Russian modestly, "but for the matter of
that neither are you. I have taken note of your build and I have thought
to myself that, between us, we would be a hard pair to overcome."
Boris now extended a hand and felt the lad's arms and chest carefully.
When he withdrew his hand he gave a grunt of satisfaction.
"You'll do," he said quietly. "Now as to your plan."
"Well," said Jack, "I have a half-formed plan. It will depend upon you
to some extent what our chances of success are."
"You can count on me to the finish," said the Russian gravely.
"All right. Then what we shall do is this. When I am led forward to
receive my lashing, you create a diversion of some kind. Give a yell or
something, but make no dash toward the row of sleighs at that moment. It
would prove fatal, for you would be shot down. However, make enough
noise to attract attention your way. At that moment I'll jump the
general and seize his revolvers--he most likely will be caught off his
guard. Then I'll dash for the sleighs; and as soon as you see I have the
general's weapons, you do the same. Whoever reaches there first will
take the reins and be ready to whip up the horses the moment the other
jumps in. That's all there is to the plan."
"It's not half bad," said the Russian, "and it promises a certain degree
of success. So you are going to steal the general's revolvers, eh? I
like that. And if he interferes with you, shoot him."
"Not if I can help it," said Jack. "I intend to come back here some day
and attend to him with my hands."
"Ah, but he is too big for you there," protested Boris.
"Don't you believe it," said Jack dryly. "Take his guns away from him
and give me fair play, and I'll promise I'll whip him good and
properly."
"Perhaps," said the Russian, but he was plainly unconvinced. "But were I
to make a wager, I would be forced to put my money on the general."
"I hope there will be no occasion for you to lose your money," said
Jack, smiling.
"By the way," said the Russian after a pause, "how are your injuries? I
can't see in the darkness, but I have no doubt the lash has left its
mark."
"It has indeed," said Jack in reply. "My shoulders are bruised and
bleeding. There are several welts across my face, and my legs and arms
are very painful. But they feel better, now that I know I shall not
stand still and receive more blows of the same kind."
"Well, you have put your mark on the general, anyhow," said Boris, his
tone greatly pleased.
"So I have; but I have paid dearly for it," responded Jack.
It was Boris who finally put an end to the conversation.
"Take my advice," he said, "and get what rest you can to-day and
to-night. To-morrow is near and there is no telling when you will sleep
again. It is always well when a man has rested before he undertakes a
desperate venture. He is in better condition."
"Your advice is good; I shall heed it," said Jack.
He lay down again in his corner and soon was asleep.
All day and all that night the two prisoners rested in the dungeon as
well as they were able. It was impossible to sleep all the time, but
they did no walking about; and when morning came they felt well and fit.
Each gulped down the water and bread that was thrust through the bars to
them early in the morning; and each was on edge when the guard unlocked
the heavy door and called upon them to emerge from their prison.
Boris stepped out as lively as a kitten, but Jack, to whom the work
ahead seemed to be more serious, walked quietly, with head bent.
Apparently taking the lad's attitude for one of fear, the Russian guard
sneered audibly.
Boris caught the sound and looked up sharply. He opened his mouth to
make a remark to the guard, but Jack, perceiving that Boris was about to
cause trouble, raised a warning finger. Boris' mouth closed without
saying a word, although Jack could see that he choked back the words at
the tip of his tongue with an effort.
The lad smiled to himself.
"He'll be a pretty good partner," he muttered.
They followed the guard until they again stood in the presence of
General Surgoff. The latter eyed them evilly as they approached, and
motioned for Jack to step forward. The lad did so unhesitatingly. Boris
would have followed, but the guards shoved him back among the crowd of
other prisoners.
Jack looked quickly around as he stepped toward the Russian general.
Some distance away, perhaps two hundred yards, he made out several
sleighs, all ready to be put in use.
"If there were only one," he muttered; and he determined in that moment
to try and frighten the other horses as he leaped into one sled.
He faced the Russian commander.
"And how do you feel this morning?" asked the general.
"Not very well, thank you, sir," returned Jack quietly.
"Feel like another little whipping will do you good, eh? Well, you shall
have it."
"I just want to remark to you, general," said Jack quietly, "that you
will rue the day you first laid the lash on me."
"What! You threaten me?" exclaimed General Surgoff. "You shall have an
additional ten lashes this morning, whether you stand on your feet or
fall fainting to the ground. Strip him, men."
The pair of Russians with their lashes stepped forward and would have
laid hands on Jack; but Boris now decided that it was time for him to
act.
He set up a sudden wild yell, that drew all eyes in his direction. It
was the moment for which Jack has been waiting.
CHAPTER XXI.
ACROSS THE SNOW.
General Surgoff's head was turned toward where Boris and several Russian
guards were struggling when Jack sprang upon his back like a cat. The
general sent out a cry for help, but Jack cut it short as his hands
closed about his opponent's throat.
Still retaining his grasp with his left hand, Jack's right dropped to
the officer's belt. A revolver was quickly drawn and the lad stuffed it
into his pocket. Then he seized the second revolver, shoved the Russian
officer violently from him and dashed toward the sleighs.
There was a cry from behind and several rifles were brought to bear,
but, even as Jack had expected, General Surgoff cried at the top of his
voice:
"Take him alive! Death to the man who injures him!"
Jack shouted aloud as he continued to run toward
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